Local compressive strain-induced anti-corrosion over isolated Ru-decorated Co₃O₄ for efficient acidic oxygen...

Enhancing corrosion resistance is essential for developing efficient electrocatalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report the strategic manipulation of the local compressive strain to reinforce the anti-corrosion properties of the non-precious Co₃O₄ support. The incorporation of Ru single atoms, larger in atomic size than Co, into the Co₃O₄ lattice (Ru-Co₃O₄), triggers localized strain compression and lattice distortion on the Co-O lattice. A comprehensive exploration of the correlation between this specific local compressive strain and electrocatalytic performance is conducted through experimental and theoretical analyses. The presence of the localized strain in Ru-Co₃O₄ is confirmed by operando X-ray absorption studies and supported by quantum calculations. This local strain, presented in a shortened Co-O bond length, enhances the anti-corrosion properties of Co₃O₄ by suppressing metal dissolutions. Consequently, Ru-Co₃O₄ shows satisfactory stability, maintaining OER for over 400 hours at 30 mA cm^-2 with minimal decay. This study demonstrates the potential of the local strain effect in fortifying catalyst stability for acidic OER and beyond.