Atomic-level Geometric Engineering Modulating d-s Hybridization of Ordered RuGa Intermetallic for Efficient Hydrogen
Xiaji Huang1, Jinhui Liang1, Lecheng Liang1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|March 3, 2026
Summary
A new Ruthenium-Gallium (RuGa) intermetallic catalyst optimizes hydrogen adsorption by altering atomic geometry. This significantly boosts efficiency and durability for hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and evolution (HER) reactions, offering a superior alternative to platinum.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Ruthenium (Ru) is explored as a platinum alternative for hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and evolution (HER).
- Strong hydrogen binding on Ru, due to its atomic geometry, limits catalytic activity.
- Developing efficient and durable Ru-based catalysts is crucial for electrochemical energy applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel RuGa intermetallic catalyst with an atomically ordered structure.
- To enhance the catalytic activity and durability for HOR and HER reactions.
- To understand the mechanism behind the improved performance through computational and experimental analyses.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of RuGa intermetallic catalyst with controlled atomic ordering.
- Electrochemical characterization including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and in situ Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- The RuGa catalyst demonstrated a specific exchange current density of 1.02 mA cm⁻² for HOR, 5.5-fold higher than Ru/C.
- Mass activity for HOR was 1850 mA mgRu⁻¹, 3-fold higher than Ru/C.
- For HER, only 11 mV was required to reach 10 mA cm⁻², with 7.4-fold higher mass activity than Ru/C.
- The catalyst exhibited negligible degradation after 1000 HOR and 10,000 HER cycles.
- DFT and Raman analyses indicated enhanced Ru 4d-H 1s hybridization and weakened Ru-H bonding.
Conclusions:
- Atomic-level geometric modulation of Ru through intermetallic formation is an effective strategy to optimize hydrogen adsorption.
- The RuGa intermetallic catalyst offers significantly enhanced activity and durability for HOR and HER.
- This work provides a new paradigm for designing high-performance Ru-based electrocatalysts.
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