Electronic Modulation of Ru Nanosheet by d–d Orbital Coupling for Enhanced Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Electrolytes. Issue 29 (26th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Yunbo; Yang, Chaoyi; Ge, Chuangxin; Yao, Na; Yin, Jinlong; Jiang, Wenyong; Cong, Hengjiang; Cheng, Gongzhen; Luo, Wei; Zhuang, Lin
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 18:Issue 29(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-06-26
• Subjects: alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells -- conduction band minimum -- d–d orbital coupling -- hydrogen oxidation reaction -- Ru; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: The alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs) hold great promise for using nonnoble metal‐based electrocatalysts toward the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but are hindered by the sluggish anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline electrolytes. Here, a strategy is reported to promote the alkaline HOR performance of Ru by incorporating 3d‐transition metals (V, Fe, Co, and Ni), where the conduction band minimum (CBM) level of Ru can be rationally tailored through strong d–d orbital coupling. As expected, the obtained RuFe nanosheet exhibits outstanding HOR performance with the mass activity of 233.46 A gPGM −1 and 23‐fold higher than the Ru catalyst, even threefold higher than the commercial Pt/C. APEFC employing this RuFe as anodic catalyst gives a peak power density of 1.2 W cm −2, outperforming the documented Pt‐free anodic catalyst‐based APEFCs. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations suggest the enhanced OH‐binding energy and reduced formation energy of water derived from the downshifted CBM level of Ru contribute to the enhanced HOR activity. Abstract : Bimetallic RuM nanosheets with enhanced hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) performances are synthesized by introducing a series of 3d‐transition metals (V, Fe, Co, and Ni) into Ru nanosheet. The rationally regulated conduction band minimum (CBM) levels of Ru through strong d–d orbital coupling are likely the origin of the remarkable HOR performance.