2D graphdiyne loading ruthenium atoms for high efficiency water splitting

• Published in: Nano energy 2020-06, Vol.72, p.104667, Article 104667
• Main Authors: Yu, Huidi, Hui, Lan, Xue, Yurui, Liu, Yuxin, Fang, Yan, Xing, Chengyu, Zhang, Chao, Zhang, Danyan, Chen, Xi, Du, Yuncheng, Wang, Zhongqiang, Gao, Yang, Huang, Bolong, Li, Yuliang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acidic oxygen evolution reaction; Atom catalyst; Graphdiyne; Hydrogen production; Water splitting
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.104667

The theoretical simulation indicates that the strong coupling between the Ru atoms and neighboring C atoms in GDY makes the Ru to be a unique electron-mediating-vehicle (EMV) for fast reversible redox-switching endowing the catalyst with excellent catalytic performances. Our experimental study is fully in accordance with the theoretical simulation, which shows that the high-activity and ultra-high selectivity of the Ru atomic catalyst. For example, Ru/GDY can deliver 10 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 44 mV and exhibits a very small Tafel slope of 30 mV dec−1, comparable to commercial Pt/C, in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic conditions. We also found that Ru/GDY has higher catalytic activity and stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) than RuO2 in 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions. [Display omitted] •Atomic catalysts consisting of GDY and isolated Ru atoms were synthesized for efficient water splitting in acidic media.•The determined electron and chemical structure of the catalyst brings a unique electron-mediating-vehicle (EMV) mechanism.•Ru/GDY exhibits higher mass activity and turnover frequency than commercial Pt/C and RuO2 in HER and OER, respectively.