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Ferromagnetic Surface Segregation via Stress-Concentration Coupling Boosts the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in RuO2
Yin Qin1,2, Sihao Deng3,4, Xiao-Ye Zhou5
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
ACS Nano
|September 6, 2025
Summary
Researchers induced weak ferromagnetism in ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) catalysts by electrochemical sodiation. This magnetic tuning significantly boosted oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance and stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) is a key catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
- Traditionally viewed as Pauli paramagnetic, RuO2 exhibits antiferromagnetic (AFM) properties.
- Magnetic properties offer a potential avenue for enhancing RuO2's catalytic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of weak ferromagnetism in commercial RuO2.
- To explore the correlation between induced magnetism and OER performance.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanism of magnetic transition and its impact on catalysis.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical sodiation of commercial RuO2.
- Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and stability testing in 0.5 M H2SO4.
- Experimental characterization and theoretical (DFT) analyses.
Main Results:
- Successful induction of weak ferromagnetism in RuO2 via sodiation.
- Achieved an overpotential of 145 mV for 10 mA cm-2 and >13-fold increase in service hours compared to pristine RuO2.
- Sodiation induced compressive stress, lattice distortion, and orbital degeneration, facilitating the AFM to weak FM transition.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemical sodiation effectively transforms AFM RuO2 into a weakly ferromagnetic state.
- This magnetic transition significantly enhances OER catalytic activity and operational stability.
- The findings highlight a novel strategy for catalyst design by manipulating magnetic properties.
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