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Titanium Doping Induced Anisotropic Geometric and Electronic Modifications Improve Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Naomi Naraki1, Yuto Okayama1, Takeshi Watanabe2
1Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8579, Japan.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 2, 2025
Summary
Titanium doping enhances ruthenium oxide (RuO2) for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study reveals Ti doping improves OER activity, stability, and corrosion resistance by altering surface structure and electronic properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Metal doping is explored to boost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and stability in ruthenium oxides (RuO2).
- The precise relationship between surface structure modifications and OER performance in doped RuO2 remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of titanium (Ti) doping on the near-surface structure and OER properties of RuO2(110) thin films in acidic media.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which Ti doping influences OER activity, stability, and corrosion resistance.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of Ti-doped RuO2(110) thin films via arc plasma deposition.
- Characterization using in-plane X-ray diffraction and total-reflection X-ray absorption fine structure (T-XAFS).
- Evaluation of OER performance and stability through electrochemical measurements, including constant-current electrolysis.
Main Results:
- Uniform Ti incorporation up to 5 at% maintained RuO2(110) surface symmetry; higher doping led to TiO2 segregation and reduced symmetry.
- Ti doping consistently improved OER activity and Tafel slope, with charge-normalized activity indicating increased surface area.
- Ti doping significantly suppressed potential rise and ruthenium dissolution during electrolysis, indicating enhanced stability and corrosion resistance.
- Anisotropic strain and altered electronic structure of Ru were observed due to Ti doping.
Conclusions:
- Ti doping is an effective strategy to enhance the OER activity, stability, and corrosion resistance of RuO2(110) surfaces.
- Synergistic effects of altered surface structure, induced lattice strain, and modified electronic properties drive the performance improvements.
- Understanding these structure-property relationships is crucial for designing advanced electrocatalysts.
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