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Hydroxyl-Binding Induced Hydrogen Bond Network Connectivity on Ru-based Catalysts for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen
Jianchao Yue1, Yunbo Li1, Chaoyi Yang1
1College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, P.R. China.
Engineered ruthenium catalysts boost alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) by tuning hydroxyl intermediates. This interfacial engineering enhances water structure and hydrogen bonding for superior electrocatalyst performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Understanding the catalyst-electrolyte interface is crucial for efficient electrocatalysts.
- Adsorbed intermediates significantly influence the electrical double layer (EDL) structure.
- Optimizing the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is key for energy applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer face-centered-cubic (fcc) Ru-based catalysts (fcc-Ru, fcc-RuCr, fcc-RuCrW).
- To tune hydroxyl intermediate binding energetics for improved HOR performance.
- To investigate the impact of interfacial engineering on the electrical double layer and water structure.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of unconventional fcc Ru-based catalysts.
- Experimental electrochemical measurements.
- Theoretical calculations (e.g., DFT) to understand surface interactions and interfacial structure.
Main Results:
- Oxyphilic Cr and W addition modulated Ru orbital occupation and promoted hydroxyl adsorption.
- Alkaline HOR performance exceeded acidic performance due to optimized interfacial water structure.
- Hydroxyl adsorption induced reconstruction of interfacial water and enhanced hydrogen bonding network.
Conclusions:
- Surface intermediates dynamically control interfacial water and hydrogen bonding in HOR electrocatalysis.
- Electrochemical interfacial engineering is a viable strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts.
- This work provides new insights into the role of adsorbed species in electrocatalytic processes.
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