Interfacial engineering of ruthenium-nickel for efficient hydrogen electrocatalysis in alkaline medium

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2025-01, Vol.678 (Pt A), p.272-280
• Main Authors: Jin, Mengyuan, Han, Xiang, Chou, Ting, Li, Shuangyan, Pi, Yecan, Chen, Kai, Chen, Tingting, Wang, Shun, Yang, Yun, Wang, Juan, Jin, Huile
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerogel; Density functional theory; Heterostructure; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Hydrogen oxidation reaction
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.08.199

The electron transfer at the heterogeneous interfaces of Ru3-Ni NPs enables a modest HBE of Ru-Ni active sites, successfully improving the reaction kinetics of hydrogen oxidation and evolution in alkaline medium. [Display omitted] Developing highly efficient electrocatalyst with heterostructure for hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions (HER/HOR) in alkaline media is crucial to the fabrication and conversion of hydrogen energy but also remains a great challenge. Herein, the synthesis of ruthenium-nickel nanoparticles (Ru3-Ni NPs) with heterostructure for hydrogen electrocatalysis is reported, and studies show that their catalytic activity is improved by electron redistribution caused by the distinctly heterogeneous interface. Impressively, Ru3-Ni NPs possess the remarkable exchange current density (2.22 mA cm−2) for HOR. Additionally, an ultra-low overpotential of 28 mV is required to attain a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and superior stability of 200 h for HER. The highly efficient catalytic activity can be attributed to the electron transfer from Ni to Ru and the optimal adsorption of H* on Ru-Ni sites. Our study showcases a reliable heterostructure that boosts the HOR/HER activity of the catalyst in alkaline environments. This work provides a new pathway for designing high-performance electrocatalyst for energy storage and conversion.