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Laser Irradiation Induced Ru Cluster-Based Catalysts with Dual Spillover Pathways for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Deyu Kong1, Chao Meng1,2, Yi Wan1
1State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, P.R. China.
We developed laser-treated Ruthenium (Ru) clusters on Cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)x) for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This design enhances hydrogen production by facilitating intermediate spillover, significantly boosting performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Ruthenium (Ru) cluster-based electrocatalysts show promise for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
- Strong adsorption of hydrogen (H*) and hydroxyl (OH*) intermediates on Ru clusters hinders water dissociation and gas evolution.
- Developing efficient strategies to manage intermediate adsorption is crucial for improving HER performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rationally design Co(OH)x-supported Ru clusters (L-Ru/Co(OH)x) with dual spillover pathways for H* and OH* intermediates.
- To investigate the role of laser irradiation in creating oxygen vacancies and ultrafine Ru clusters.
- To optimize the catalyst for enhanced hydrogen evolution activity and stability.
Main Methods:
- Laser irradiation of Co(OH)x-supported Ru clusters to induce localized thermal effects.
- Characterization of oxygen vacancies and Ru cluster formation using advanced techniques.
- Electrochemical testing in alkaline media to evaluate hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance.
- Fabrication and testing of an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer.
Main Results:
- Laser irradiation generated uniformly dispersed oxygen vacancies (OVs) on Co(OH)x and formed ultrafine Ru clusters anchored at OVs.
- Synergistic electron redistribution occurred among Ru clusters, OVs, and Co sites, creating electron-rich Ru/Co and electron-deficient OV sites.
- The optimal L-Ru/Co(OH)x catalyst exhibited a low overpotential of 13 mV and a Tafel slope of 42 mV dec⁻¹, outperforming existing catalysts.
- The anion exchange membrane electrolyzer achieved an industrial-level current density of 1.68 A cm⁻² at 2.0 V, significantly exceeding the benchmark.
Conclusions:
- The L-Ru/Co(OH)x catalyst effectively facilitates H* and OH* spillover through dual pathways, promoting efficient hydrogen evolution.
- Laser-induced modification provides a novel approach for designing high-performance electrocatalysts for HER.
- The developed catalyst demonstrates significant potential for industrial applications in water electrolysis.
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