Bifunctional Ru-Cluster-Decorated Co 3 B-Co(OH) 2 Hybrid Catalyst Synergistically Promotes NaBH 4 Hydrolysis and Water Splitting

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal 2023-03, Vol.29 (13), p.e202203207
• Main Authors: Li, Huatong, Liu, Zhengqi, Wang, Lixia, Guo, Man, Isimjan, Tayirjan Taylor, Yang, Xiulin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203207

Developing a highly efficient bifunctional catalyst for hydrolysis of metal hydrides and spontaneous hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is essential for substituting conventional fuels for H production. Herein, Ru-cluster-modified Co B-Co(OH) supported on nickel foam (Ru/Co B-Co(OH) @NF) is constructed by electroless deposition, calcination and chemical reduction. The catalyst exhibits an excellent hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 4989 mL min and good reusability, superior to most previously reported catalysts. Besides, Ru/Co B-Co(OH) @NF displays a prominent hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic capability with a low overpotential of 153.0 mV at 100 mA cm (50.5 mV at 10 mA cm ), a small Tafel slope of 40.0 mV dec and long-term stability (100 h@10 mA cm ) in 1.0 M KOH. The excellent catalytic H generation capacity benefits from the rapid charge transfer promoted by metallic Co B, the synergistic catalytic effect of Co B-Co(OH) and Ru clusters, and the unique composite structure favorable for solute transport and gas emission.