Protrusion-Rich Cu@NiRu Core@shell Nanotubes for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis.
Xuan Liu1, Siyang Zhang1, Jiashun Liang1
1State Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Die and Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 15, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed protrusion-rich Cu@NiRu core@shell nanotubes for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis. These durable nanotubes offer superior performance in alkaline environments, advancing hydrogen energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Efficient and durable catalysts are crucial for large-scale hydrogen energy applications via water electrolysis.
- Developing novel catalytic materials is key to overcoming current limitations in hydrogen production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize protrusion-rich Cu@NiRu core@shell nanotubes for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis.
- To investigate the catalytic performance and stability of the synthesized nanotubes in an alkaline environment.
Main Methods:
- Facile wet chemistry method for preparing Cu@NiRu core@shell nanotubes.
- Electrochemical testing to evaluate HER activity and durability.
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the catalytic mechanism.
Main Results:
- The synthesized Cu@NiRu nanotubes exhibited excellent HER activity, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² with an overpotential of only 22 mV in 1.0 M KOH.
- The catalyst demonstrated remarkable stability, maintaining performance after 5000 cycles.
- DFT calculations revealed that Ni-induced weakening of hydrogen adsorption on Ru sites and electron transfer between Ni/Cu and Ru are critical for enhanced activity.
Conclusions:
- Protrusion-rich Cu@NiRu core@shell nanotubes are highly efficient and durable electrocatalysts for HER in alkaline media.
- The unique nanostructure and electronic properties of the catalyst contribute to its superior performance.
- This study offers a promising pathway for developing advanced catalysts for hydrogen energy technologies.
