RuSe₂/CeO₂heterostructure as a novel electrocatalyst for highly efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Constructing heterojunctions is a key strategy to enhance catalyst electronic structures for improved electrocatalytic activity.
• Ruthenium selenide (RuSe2) shows promise as a platinum alternative for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to its catalytic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate novel RuSe2/CeO2 heterojunction electrocatalysts.
• To investigate the effect of heterojunction formation on the electronic structure and HER performance.
• To evaluate the catalytic activity and stability of the synthesized electrocatalysts in alkaline media.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal and thermal treatment methods were employed for catalyst fabrication.
• Electrochemical characterization techniques were used to assess hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance.
• Stability tests were conducted over extended periods and cycling.

Main Results:

• The optimal 50% RuSe2/CeO2 heterojunction exhibited a low HER overpotential of 16 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 66.1 mV dec-1.
• The heterojunction catalyst demonstrated excellent stability, maintaining activity for 50 hours and 3000 cycles.
• Electron redistribution at the RuSe2/CeO2 interface was observed, altering the electronic structure and enhancing catalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• The RuSe2/CeO2 heterojunction effectively enhances electrocatalytic activity for HER by modifying the electronic structure.
• This work presents a viable approach for designing efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts through heterojunction engineering in alkaline electrolytes.