Trace Lattice S Inserted RuO₂ Flexible Nanosheets for Efficient and Long-Term Acidic Oxygen Evolution Catalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Developing stable and active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for acidic water electrolysis is critical.
• Ruthenium (Ru) based catalysts are promising but suffer from corrosion in acidic media.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a highly active and stable Ru-based OER catalyst for acidic water electrolysis.
• To overcome the challenge of Ru corrosion in acidic environments.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized trace lattice sulfur (S) inserted RuO2 catalyst (Ru/S NSs-400).
• Investigated catalyst stability through long-term electrochemical testing.
• Analyzed electronic structure and corrosion resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The optimized Ru/S NSs-400 catalyst achieved a record stability of 600 hours for Ru-only nanomaterials.
• Demonstrated over 300 hours of stability in a proton exchange membrane device at 250 mA cm-2.
• Sulfur doping enhanced Ru adsorption of intermediates and prevented over-oxidation.

Conclusions:

• Sulfur doping is an effective strategy to enhance the stability and performance of Ru-based OER catalysts.
• This approach offers a pathway for designing advanced catalysts for water splitting and other electrochemical applications.