Ru doped molybdenum-based nanowire arrays for efficient hydrogen evolution over a broad pH range

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• The urgent need for efficient electrocatalysts to address environmental pollution and energy scarcity.
• Focus on earth-abundant materials for sustainable energy technologies.
• Limitations of current electrocatalysts in terms of activity, stability, and cost.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel earth-abundant electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• To investigate the performance of Ruthenium-Molybdenum Phosphide (Ru-MoP) nanowire arrays (NWAs) on carbon fiber paper (CFP).
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic activity and stability of Ru-MoP NWAs/CFP across a broad pH range.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Molybdenum-based nanowire arrays (NWAs) on carbon fiber paper (CFP).
• Assembly of Ru-MoP NWAs/CFP via ruthenium impregnation and phosphorization.
• Electrochemical characterization including overpotential measurements at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in various electrolytes (0.5 M H₂SO₄, 1 M KOH, 1 M PBS).

Main Results:

• Ru-MoP NWAs/CFP demonstrated excellent HER performance over a wide pH range.
• Required overpotentials were 39.0 mV (acidic), 49.9 mV (alkaline), and 67.1 mV (neutral).
• Enhanced conductivity and additional active sites attributed to the incorporation of Ruthenium and Phosphorus.

Conclusions:

• Ruthenium-Molybdenum Phosphide nanowire arrays on carbon fiber paper are highly effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
• The catalyst's performance is attributed to synergistic effects between Ruthenium and Phosphorus, improving conductivity and active sites.
• This work offers a promising new strategy for designing high-performance, earth-abundant HER electrocatalysts.