One-step integration of amorphous RuBx and crystalline Ru nanoparticles into B/N-doped porous carbon polyhedra for robust electrocatalytic activity towards the HER in both acidic and basic media. Issue 8 (26th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, Jie; Wang, Biao; Zhang, Yanzheng; Zhang, Xiaohua; Shen, Qinghui; Qin, Junfeng; Xue, Song; Guo, Xi; Du, Cuicui; Chen, Jinhua
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 10:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 4181
• Page End: 4190
• Publication Date: 2022-01-26
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ta08512c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Amorphous RuB x and crystalline Ru nanoparticles integrated into B/N-doped porous carbon polyhedra via a facile one-step thermal-reduction exhibited remarkable HER electrocatalytic performances in both alkaline and acidic media. Abstract : As a research hotspot in hydrogen production by water electrolysis, exploring efficient, stable and low-cost hydrogen evolution catalysts is highly desirable and significant for the development of large-scale water electrolysis, but still remains a great challenge, especially under both alkaline and acidic conditions. Herein, amorphous RuB x and crystalline Ru nanoparticles are successfully integrated into B/N-doped porous carbon polyhedra derived from ZIF-8 via a facile one-step thermal-reduction method, and the obtained composite catalyst (RuB x -Ru@BNPCH) exhibits admirable catalytic activity and satisfactory stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction in both alkaline and acidic media. In an alkaline medium, RuB x -Ru@BNPCH can reach a current density of 10, 50 and 100 mA cm −2 at an ultralow overpotential of 5, 31 and 53 mV, respectively, which is much lower than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst and most reported hydrogen evolution catalysts. More importantly, a large current density of 300 mA cm −2 can be obtained on RuB x -Ru@BNPCH at an extremely low overpotential of 114 mV, which is very significant for the industrial implementation of water electrolysis. Besides, in an acidic medium (0.5 M H2 SO4 ), RuB x -Ru@BNPCH also demonstrates Pt-like activity (an overpotential of 33 mV at 10 mA cm −2 ) and good stability. This work has explored a facile route for constructing amorphous/crystalline catalysts toward highly efficient electrocatalysis, which could be applicable to a wide range of catalytic processes.