Hierarchical macro-mesoporous electrocatalysts with dual-active sites of Ru single atoms and monodispersed Ru–Mo nanoclusters for efficient hydrogen evolution. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ni, Liwen; Zhang, Zhen; Zhao, Zhiliang; Li, Hui
• Is Part Of: Materials today chemistry. Volume 26(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Ruthenium -- Single-atom catalyst -- Sub-nanocluster -- Hydrogen evolution reaction -- Hierarchical macro-mesoporous structure; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Chemistry; Materials -- Research; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 660.282
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2022.101046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-5194

Abstract

Abstract: Rationally designing high-performance electrocatalysts with high density and multiactive sites is an effective strategy to accelerate the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics, yet it remains challenging. Herein, a catalyst comprising numerous Ru–Mo-based single atoms and subnanoclusters incorporated into a hierarchical macro-mesoporous carbon framework with a P-doped skeleton (Ru–Mo/PC) was successfully developed via a simple template-assisted pyrolysis method. Spherical aberration correction electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure measurements revealed that the dual-active sites consisted of Ru–C5 single atoms and ultrasmall Ru–Mo nanoclusters (mean diameter of 0.94 nm). In particular, the as-constructed RuMo1.5 /PC catalyst exhibited a high activity towards the HER, requiring an overpotential of only 17.9 mV at 10 mA/cm 2, which outperformed a commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline media. Electrochemical performance results also indicated that introducing moderate Mo species played a crucial role in further boosting the HER activity compared to Ru/PC. The present work provides a step forward in designing efficient and stable catalysts with high-density, atomically dispersed active sites for hydrogen production. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Ru single atoms and monodispersed Ru–Mo nanoclusters were prepared on the hierarchical porous carbon. RuMo1.5 /PC exhibits good electrocatalytic activity towards HER in basic. The ultrasmall Ru–Mo nanoclusters (mean diameter of 0.94 nm) provide ultra-high atomic utilization. The high-density atomically dispersed active sites of Ru–Mo/PC contribute to the good performance.