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Updated: Feb 20, 2026
10:51
The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
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Constructing Electron-Deficient Ruthenium Sites for Stable Hydrogen Oxidation by Weakening OH Adsorption
Chunfeng Li1, Hongjian Tang2, Zhipeng Li2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore.
ACS Nano
|February 18, 2026
Summary
Developing stable, platinum-free catalysts is key for anion exchange membrane fuel cells. This study presents a novel ruthenium on buckminsterfullerene catalyst (Ru/C60-PDA) that shows enhanced stability and activity for the hydrogen oxidation reaction.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Platinum-free catalysts are crucial for cost-effective anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs).
- Ruthenium (Ru) shows promise for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) but suffers from activity loss at high potentials.
- CO poisoning is a significant challenge for HOR catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust and efficient platinum-free catalyst for the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR).
- To enhance the stability and CO tolerance of ruthenium-based catalysts for AEMFCs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles on buckminsterfullerene (Ru/C60-PDA).
- Electrochemical characterization of catalyst performance for HOR.
- Physical characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand catalyst properties.
- Testing AEMFC performance with Ru/C60-PDA as the anode catalyst.
Main Results:
- Ru/C60-PDA demonstrated enhanced stability and retained activity up to 0.9 V (vs RHE).
- DFT calculations revealed an electron-deficient Ru state on C60, weakening OH adsorption and improving stability.
- The catalyst exhibited superior CO poisoning resistance, maintaining activity in 10 vol % CO.
- An AEMFC with Ru/C60-PDA achieved a peak power density of 510 mW cm⁻², outperforming Pt/C and unmodified Ru.
Conclusions:
- Ru/C60-PDA is a highly stable and active catalyst for the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction.
- The electron-deficient nature of Ru on C60 is key to its improved stability and CO tolerance.
- This work provides insights for designing advanced, stable HOR catalysts for AEMFC applications.
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