Oxophilic Ce single atoms-triggered active sites reverse for superior alkaline hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Ruthenium-based catalysts are state-of-the-art for alkaline hydrogen evolution.
• Current catalysts suffer from low activity due to hydrogen evolution occurring on less active ruthenium single atoms.
• Maximizing activity requires directing reactions to more efficient ruthenium nanoparticles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel catalyst that directs alkaline hydrogen evolution to highly active ruthenium nanoclusters.
• To overcome the limitation of hydrogen evolution proceeding on less active ruthenium single atoms.
• To enhance the overall activity and efficiency of alkaline hydrogen evolution catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a catalyst combining cerium single atoms and ruthenium nanoclusters on a nitrogen-functionalized carbon support.
• Utilized the strong oxophilicity of cerium to reverse active sites.
• Characterized the catalyst's structure and performance using electrochemical techniques.

Main Results:

• Successfully directed alkaline hydrogen evolution to the more active ruthenium nanoclusters.
• Achieved a significantly improved mass activity of -10.1 A mg^-1 at -0.05 V.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of cerium's oxophilicity in regulating active centers.

Conclusions:

• The developed catalyst overcomes previous limitations in alkaline hydrogen evolution.
• Rational regulation of active centers using oxophilic elements is a promising strategy for catalyst design.
• This work provides new insights for developing highly efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution catalysts.