Spontaneous hydrogen production using gadolinium telluride

• Published in: iScience 2023-04, Vol.26 (4), p.106510-106510, Article 106510
• Main Authors: Kumbhakar, Partha, Parui, Arko, Dhakar, Shikha, Paliwal, Manas, Behera, Rakesh, Gautam, Abhay Raj Singh, Roy, Soumyabrata, Ajayan, Pulickel M., Sharma, Sudhanshu, Singh, Abhishek K., Tiwary, Chandra S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Inorganic materials; Materials chemistry; Materials science
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106510

Developing materials for controlled hydrogen production through water splitting is one of the most promising ways to meet current energy demand. Here, we demonstrate spontaneous and green production of hydrogen at high evolution rate using gadolinium telluride (GdTe) under ambient conditions. The spent materials can be reused after melting, which regain the original activity of the pristine sample. The phase formation and reusability are supported by the thermodynamics calculations. The theoretical calculation reveals ultralow activation energy for hydrogen production using GdTe caused by charge transfer from Te to Gd. Production of highly pure and instantaneous hydrogen by GdTe could accelerate green and sustainable energy conversion technologies. [Display omitted] •A simple approach for the generation of pure Hydrogen•A significant H2 production enhancement was observed in GdTe crystal•The experimental finding supported by thermodynamic and DFT calculations•The non-uniform oxide layer boosts the hydrogen generation performance of GdTe Inorganic materials; Materials science; Materials chemistry