Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalyzed by Proton-Coupled Redox Cycle of 4,4′-Bipyridine Monolayer Adsorbed on Silver Electrodes

The proton-coupled redox cycle of 4,4′-bipyridine monolayer adsorbed on an Ag electrode catalytically enhances hydrogen evolution reactions in basic and neutral solutions. The specific adsorption via one N-end facilitates electrochemical formation of an unstable N,N-dihydro bipyridine and its decomposition yields H2.