Mixed-dimensional heterostructures of hydrophobic/hydrophilic graphene foam for tunable hydrogen evolution reaction

The synergetic effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic carbon can be used to obtain tunable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the interface. Herein, graphene oxide (GO-Hummers method) was coated on graphene foam (GF) synthesized via chemical vapor deposition to develop mixed-dimensional heterostructure for the observation of HER. The porosity of GF not only provides an optimized diffusion coefficient for better mass transport but also modified surface chemistry (GF/GO-hydrophobic/hydrophilic interface), which results in an onset potential 50 mV and overpotential of 450 mV to achieve the current density 10 mA/cm2. The surface analysis shows that inherent functional groups at the surface played a key role in tuning the activity of hybrid, providing a pathway to introduce non-corrosive electrodes for water splitting. [Display omitted] •The GO coating on GF can make it effective towards HER.•The 3D framework provides high mas flow and faster ionic transfer.•Combination of hydro-phobic/-philic surfaces optimizes water ad/desorption energies.•A unique hydro-phobic/-philic interface acts as active site for HER.