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Modulating the Binding Strength of Multiple Intermediates by Few-Layer Fullerene Network Electron Buffer for Alkaline
Xing Wang1, Xiang Chen2,3, Rongyao Lv1
1Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), Anhui Laboratory of Advanced Photon Science and Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
This study introduces a novel catalyst using 2D fullerene C60 networks to support ruthenium nanoparticles, significantly enhancing alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics by optimizing intermediate binding. The new catalyst shows remarkable efficiency for clean hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for clean energy but suffers from sluggish kinetics due to intermediate adsorption/desorption.
- Oxygenated intermediates pose challenges for efficient HER in alkaline media compared to acidic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel catalyst for enhanced alkaline HER performance.
- To investigate the role of 2D fullerene C60 networks as a support for ruthenium nanoparticles (NPs).
- To modulate the binding strengths of key intermediates in the alkaline HER process.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles supported on a covalently bonded 2D fullerene C60 network (Ru NPs/2D-C60).
- Electrochemical characterization of the catalyst's performance in alkaline HER.
- Kinetic studies and theoretical calculations to understand reaction mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The Ru NPs/2D-C60 catalyst achieved a low overpotential of 24 mV at 10 mA cm⁻¹.
- Demonstrated eight times higher intrinsic activity compared to unsupported Ru NPs for alkaline HER.
- Electron buffering effect of 2D-C60 successfully modulated intermediate binding strengths.
Conclusions:
- The 2D-C60 support effectively optimizes the electronic properties of Ru NPs, facilitating reversible charge transfer.
- Weakened binding of H and OH species on the Ru surface accelerates HER kinetics.
- The developed Ru NPs/2D-C60 catalyst offers a promising pathway for efficient alkaline hydrogen production.
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