Polarized Ultrathin BN Induced Dynamic Electron Interactions for Enhancing Acidic Oxygen Evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Efficient and stable heterogeneous catalysts are crucial for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
• Ruthenium-based catalysts are promising but require optimized interfaces for enhanced performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a defect-rich ultrathin boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) support for RuO2.
• To enhance the catalytic interface for improved OER efficiency and stability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of defect-rich ultrathin BNNS.
• Supporting RuO2 on BNNS to create an electron reservoir and receiving station.
• In situ characterization and theoretical calculations.

Main Results:

• Achieved a low OER overpotential of 180 mV at 10 mA cm⁻².
• Demonstrated long-term operational stability of 350 hours.
• Validated localized electronic recycling between RuO2 and BNNS.

Conclusions:

• The defect-rich BNNS support facilitates rapid electron transfer, enhancing RuO2 catalytic activity.
• Electronic back-donation suppresses over-oxidation, improving catalyst stability.
• This approach offers a new strategy for designing stable and active catalytic interfaces.