A Perovskite Electrocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Perovskite oxides are demonstrated for the first time as efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline solutions. A-site praseodymium-doped Pr0.5 (Ba0.5 Sr0.5 )0.5 Co0.8 Fe0.2 O3- δ (Pr0.5BSCF) exhibits dramatically enhanced HER activity and stability compared to Ba0.5 Sr0.5 Co0.8 Fe0.2 O3- δ (BSCF), superior to many well-developed bulk/nanosized nonprecious electrocatalysts. The improved HER performance originates from the modified surface electronic structures and properties of Pr0.5BSCF induced by the Pr-doping.