Electronic modulation of Ru active sites via interfacial engineering for efficient overall water splitting

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts are essential for advancing overall water splitting technology and clean energy systems.
• Developing catalysts that excel in both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.
• To evaluate the catalytic performance and stability of the developed material in alkaline media.

Main Methods:

• A one-step corrosion method was employed to synthesize ruthenium nanoparticle-decorated, iron-doped Ni(OH)2 heterostructure on nickel foam (Ru-NiFe(OH)2/NF).
• Electrochemical techniques were used to assess the catalytic activity and stability for HER and OER.
• Experimental results were complemented by theoretical calculations to understand the catalytic mechanism.

Main Results:

• The Ru-NiFe(OH)2/NF catalyst exhibited ultra-low overpotentials: 130 mV for HER and 235 mV for OER at 100 mA cm-2.
• The catalyst demonstrated long-term stability for overall water splitting at 100 mA cm-2.
• Performance surpassed commercial RuO2∥Pt/C systems and most previously reported bifunctional electrocatalysts.

Conclusions:

• The Ru-NiFe(OH)2/NF heterostructure is a superior bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting in alkaline media.
• Electron transfer between Ru and NiFe(OH)2 enhances adsorption of reaction intermediates, boosting catalytic activity.
• This development contributes to advancing clean energy systems through efficient water splitting.