Binder-free Pt/PAF membrane electrodes for durable, high-current-density hydrogen evolution

Pt and its derivatives, with their high reactivity and stability, are ideal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Despite being the industrial standard in HERs, high current densities remain prohibitive due to the increased risk of leaching. Here, we report a practical and scalable strategy to prepare extremely stable Pt-based electrodes employing porous aromatic framework (PAF-260, -261, and -264) membranes instead of commercial Nafion binders to render fully exposed Pt nanocatalysts as well as faster electron and mass transfer. All electrodes exhibit excellent HER performances, continuously operating for more than 1,000 h at ampere-level current densities without losing activity. The precise placement of Pt-anchoring sulfur functionalities throughout the porous framework enables the homogeneous distribution of electrocatalysts that deliver continuous production of hydrogen, even in highly alkaline environments. The design principles from this study could unravel robust electrolyzers that could accelerate the transition to renewable fuels.