About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Thin Films and Coatings: Properties, Processing and Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Modulating the Electrocatalytic Activity of Intermetallic Compounds for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction via Elastic Strain Engineering |
| Author(s) |
Jorge Redondo, Jayachandran Subbian, Miguel Monclús, Valentín Vassilev-Galindo, Jon Molina-Aldareguía, Javier Llorca |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Javier Llorca |
| Abstract Scope |
Intermetallic alloys offer a promising, cost-effective alternative to platinum-group metals for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), addressing the issues of cost and scarcity. This study explores the impact of elastic strain on Ag₃In, Ni₃Fe, and Ni₃Sn intermetallic thin films to enhance their catalytic activity. Using magnetron sputtering, films are deposited on nitinol substrates, where tensile and compressive strains are induced via the one-way shape memory effect of the substrate. Synchrotron high-resolution X-ray diffraction confirms elastic strains up to 1.6%. Electrochemical characterization reveals that the applied strains significantly improve HER performance by lowering the overpotential at 50 mA/cm². Kinetic studies, including Tafel and exchange current density plots further support these findings. A comparison with Pt thin films highlights the efficiency of strained intermetallics. This work demonstrates that elastic strain engineering is a powerful tool to optimize intermetallic catalysts, providing key insights toward their development as efficient, sustainable alternatives for hydrogen production. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Thin Films and Interfaces, |