Ce-doped TiO₂ catalyst is synthesized through the sol-gel method, displaying significant promise as a superior electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an acidic medium. The GCE-5wt.%CeTiO₂ electrode demonstrates an onset potential for HER at −0.16 V vs. RHE, closely approaching platinum′s performance. Notably, the catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 401 mV, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² with an impressive 95 % Faradaic efficiency.

Abstract

The quest for sustainable and clean energy sources has intensified research on the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in recent decades. In this study, we have presented a novel Ce-doped TiO₂ catalyst synthesized through the sol-gel method, showcasing its potential as a superior electrocatalyst for HER in an acidic medium. Comprehensive characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Raman spectroscopy confirms the successful formation of the catalyst. Electrocatalytic performance evaluation, including open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel analysis, demonstrates that GCE-5wt.%CeTiO₂ outperforms bare GCE, as well as Ce and TiO₂-based electrodes. Kinetic investigations reveal a Tafel slope of 105 mV dec⁻¹, indicating the Volmer step as the rate-determining step. The onset potential for HER at GCE-5wt.%CeTiO₂ is −0.16 V vs. RHE, close to the platinum electrode. Notably, the catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 401 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² with an impressive 95 % Faradaic efficiency. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates outstanding durability, maintaining a negligible increase in overpotential during a 14-hour chronoamperometry test. These results have far-reaching implications for the development of cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.