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Published on: December 6, 2021
Localized Amorphization Engineering in Ultrathin MnRuOx Nanosheets for Robust Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Ziru Gao1, Yongqing Shen1, Bing Hao1
1Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Shanxi, 030024, P. R. China.
This study introduces a novel amorphization strategy using manganese doping in ruthenium dioxide nanosheets. This approach significantly enhances electrocatalyst performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ultrathin noble-metal nanosheets are promising electrocatalysts but often lack sufficient active sites on their basal planes.
- Enhancing the catalytic activity of 2D materials requires strategies to introduce more active sites and improve mass transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a partially amorphized ultrathin ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) nanosheet catalyst by doping with manganese (Mn).
- To investigate the enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of the Mn-doped RuO2 nanosheets in alkaline media.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized ultrathin RuO2 nanosheets doped with Mn.
- Annealed the Mn-doped RuO2 nanosheets at 250 °C to create localized amorphous regions.
- Evaluated the HER performance using electrochemical measurements (overpotential, Tafel slope).
- Utilized in situ Raman spectroscopy and theoretical calculations to understand the mechanism.
Main Results:
- The optimal MnRuOx NSs-250 catalyst exhibited superior HER activity in alkaline conditions.
- Achieved a low overpotential of 31 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 46.7 mV dec⁻¹, outperforming commercial Pt/C.
- Localized amorphization and amorphous/crystalline interfaces were identified as key factors for enhanced activity.
- Mn doping facilitated H2O adsorption/desorption and accelerated the Volmer step.
Conclusions:
- Partially amorphizing ultrathin RuO2 nanosheets via Mn doping creates abundant basal plane active sites and interfaces.
- This strategy significantly boosts electrocatalytic HER performance in alkaline environments.
- The findings offer valuable insights for designing advanced electrocatalysts for HER applications.
