Interface engineering of fcc-RuCo@hcp-Ru core-shell nanoplates for efficient industrial alkaline hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for clean energy.
• Developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts is essential for alkaline HER.
• Current catalysts often face challenges with activity and durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel core-shell catalyst for enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of cobalt and ruthenium in a core-shell structure.
• To compare the performance of the new catalyst against commercial standards.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a face-centered cubic (fcc) ruthenium-cobalt (RuCo) core with a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) ruthenium shell.
• Characterization of the core-shell catalyst structure and interface.
• Electrochemical testing of the catalyst for hydrogen evolution in alkaline media.

Main Results:

• The fcc-RuCo@hcp-Ru core-shell catalyst exhibits exceptional activity and stability.
• Cobalt-induced phase and interface engineering create a synergistic effect.
• The catalyst outperforms commercial platinum on carbon (Pt/C) at industrial current densities.

Conclusions:

• The novel RuCo@Ru core-shell catalyst is a highly promising material for alkaline hydrogen evolution.
• Interface and phase engineering are effective strategies for catalyst design.
• This catalyst offers a potential alternative to precious metal catalysts for industrial applications.