@article{Zhang2026, 
author = {Dong-Feng Zhang and Yu-Qi Li and Hao-Ze Bai and Daniel H. C. Wan and Lin-Lin Zhu and Wen-Chao Chen and Li-Dong Li and Feng Ryan Wang and Yan Gao and Jian-Xin Kang},
title = {The Ce → Pt electron pump across N-rGO for superior hydrogen evolution},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {94908803},
keywords = {nitrogen-doped graphene, Pt, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), electronic structure modulation, rare earth, atomic},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908803},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908803},
abstract = {Conventional strategies for enhancing platinum’s hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, like alloying or heteroatom-doping, usually suffer from component leaching. We presented a paradigm shift from modifying Pt to remotely engineering its electronic environment. By co-anchoring isolated Ce single atoms, Pt single atoms, and Pt nanoclusters on an N-doped reduced graphene oxide (Ce1-Pt1Ptn/N-rGO) matrix, we constructed an atomic-scale “electron pump”. The architecture enables the unidirectional and spontaneous flow of electrons from the Ce sites, through the N-rGO conduit, into Pt active centers as validated experimentally and theoretically. This remote charge donation optimally tailors the Pt electronic structure, down-shifting its d-band center and optimizing the hydrogen adsorption. The resulting catalyst achieves an ultralow overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 and a superior Pt mass activity of 7.0 A·mgPt−1 at −200 mV, outperforming commercial Pt/C and the Pt1Ptn/N-rGO benchmark. Furthermore, it exhibits exceptional stability, retaining an activity of more than 92% after 200 h. This work establishes a novel “remote electron modulator” catalysts, providing a generic pathway for optimizing the performance of noble metals beyond traditional alloy or strain effects.}
}