Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Phase Engineering and Phosphorus Doping on Ru/P-TiO₂.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Optimizing water dissociation and hydrogen desorption is crucial for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline environments.
• Developing advanced electrocatalysts is key to overcoming current limitations in HER performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel electrocatalyst for enhanced HER.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of ruthenium (Ru) clusters, phosphorus (P)-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) substrate, and crystal phase on HER activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ru clusters anchored on trace P-doped defective TiO2 substrate (Ru/P-TiO2).
• Electrochemical evaluation of HER performance using techniques like cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
• Experimental and theoretical studies to elucidate the reaction mechanism and structure-activity relationships.

Main Results:

• The Ru/P-TiO2 electrocatalyst exhibited commercial Pt/C-like geometric activity and a mass activity of 9984.3 mA mgRu-1 at -0.05 V vs. RHE.
• Performance was significantly higher than Pt/C (34.3 times) and Ru/TiO2 (18.7 times).
• Rutile-TiO2 substrate with oxygen vacancies and P doping enhanced water dissociation and hydrogen spillover, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The developed Ru/P-TiO2 catalyst offers a promising alternative for efficient HER in alkaline media.
• Synergistic effects between the Ru cluster, P-doped rutile-TiO2 substrate, and surface defects are critical for high HER activity.
• This work provides insights into rational catalyst design for electrocatalytic hydrogen production.