Core-Shell Nanostructured Ru@Ir-O Electrocatalysts for Superb Oxygen Evolution in Acid

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry and Materials Science
• Catalysis for Energy Applications

Background:

• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical yet kinetically slow process in acidic media for water electrolysis.
• Developing highly active and durable catalysts for OER in acid is essential for efficient hydrogen production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and investigate a novel core-shell nanostructured catalyst for improved OER performance in acidic environments.
• To understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a core-shell Ru@Ir-O nanostructure featuring tensile strain and incorporated oxygen.
• Electrochemical characterization to evaluate OER activity and durability.
• Advanced structural analysis and theoretical calculations (e.g., DFT) to probe electronic structure and intermediate bonding.

Main Results:

• The Ru@Ir-O catalyst exhibits an exceptionally low OER overpotential of 238 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 in acid.
• Achieved a 78-fold higher mass activity compared to conventional Iridium dioxide (IrO₂) at 1.55 V in 0.5 M H₂ SO₄.
• Core-shell interactions and tensile strain were found to modify electronic properties, optimizing intermediate adsorption for boosted OER.

Conclusions:

• The developed Ru@Ir-O core-shell catalyst represents a significant advancement in OER catalysis for acidic water electrolysis.
• The synergistic effects of strain and electronic modifications provide a promising strategy for designing next-generation electrocatalysts.