Spontaneous hydrogen production using Gadolinium Telluride

Abstract

Developing a catalyst for green hydrogen production through water splitting, is one of the most promising ways to meet current energy demand. Here, we demonstrate spontaneous water splitting using gadolinium telluride (GdTe) with high hydrogen evolution rate. The spent catalyst can be reused after melting, which regains the original activity of the pristine sample. The phase formation and reusability are supported by the thermodynamics calculations. The theoretical calculation reveals ultra-low over-potential for hydrogen evolution reaction of GdTe caused by charge transfer from Te to Gd, hence enhancing the catalytic activity. Production of highly pure and instantaneous hydrogen by GdTe could accelerate fuel cell-based sustainable technologies.