A Low-Temperature Solid Chemistry to Ru Clusterrene for Scalable Hydrogen Production

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Platinum-group-metal (PGM) nanomaterials are crucial for energy conversion but face manufacturing challenges.
• Conventional synthesis requires high temperatures (≥ 800°C) or complex post-processing, limiting scalability.
• Efficient catalysts are needed for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable, low-temperature synthesis strategy for PGM nanomaterials.
• To create a novel sub-nano ruthenium clusterrene catalyst for AEMWE.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness, activity, and stability of the synthesized catalyst.

Main Methods:

• A thermal buffer-assisted low-temperature (250°C) calcination strategy was employed.
• Sodium chloride (NaCl) was used as a thermal buffer to control the calcination process.
• The synthesized ruthenium clusterrene was characterized and tested as an AEMWE cathode catalyst.

Main Results:

• A sub-nano Ru clusterrene with an ultra-thin, fluid-like structure was successfully synthesized at 250°C.
• The synthesis cost was significantly reduced to US$39.42/g_Ru compared to commercial catalysts.
• The Ru clusterrene demonstrated high activity (1.73 V@2 A cm^‒2) and exceptional stability (1000 h at 2 A cm^‒2).
• The catalyst achieved high stack performance in AEMWE (3.6 V@1 A cm^‒2 and 2000 h@25 A).

Conclusions:

• The thermal buffer-assisted low-temperature calcination is a viable strategy for scalable PGM nanomaterial manufacturing.
• Ruthenium clusterrene is a highly promising cathode catalyst for efficient and stable anion exchange membrane water electrolysis.
• This advancement offers a cost-effective solution for next-generation water electrolysis technologies.