RuP Nanoparticles Supported on N, O Codoped Porous Hollow Carbon for Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction

Abstract

Highly active and low‐cost anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalysts play a significant role in the large‐scale application of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Herein, a novel anodic HOR electrocatalyst with RuP nanoparticles loaded on N, O codoped porous hollow carbon (RuP/NOC) is prepared. The catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity toward HOR, achieving a kinetic mass activity of 3.25 mA µg–1PGM at 50 mV, 13 times higher than that of Ru/NOC and even superior to that of Pt/C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the transfer of electrons from ruthenium to phosphorus shifts down the d‐band center of Ru, weakening the hydroxyl binding energy and decreasing the reaction energy barrier for HOR, thus enhancing the catalytic activity of Ru.

Insights into the High Activity of Ruthenium Phosphide for the Production of Hydrogen in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers

“…In the absence of atom-resolved data on the exact exposed facets of the RuP in the present work, we consider the results of previous simulations carried out by Wang et al to further analyze our results. [43] The catalytic activity for the HER can be linked to the BE of H to the surface, Wang et al computed H adsorption energy for the RuP (011) surface comparable to Pt, which is therefore consistent with the excellent activity of RuP manifested in our work. On the other hand, the slight charge observed by several techniques on the Ru and P atoms inside the phosphide can increase the electron transfer rate, thus promoting the catalytic process toward HER.…”

Recent Advances in Engineered Ru‐Based Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen/Oxygen Conversion Reactions

“…Moreover, the phosphating could weaken the adsorption of OH* on the catalyst surface, decreasing the reaction energy barrier of Δ G = 0.38 eV, which is smaller than that of RDS (H 2 O formation reaction, Δ G = 0.44 eV) in the Ru‐catalyzed HOR process (Figure 14j,k). [ 140 ] Furthermore, amine ligands can provide N atoms to tune the local electron density of Ru at the molecular level. Ultrasmall‐sized (average size of 1.45 nm) Ru nanoclusters are dispersed on an amine ligand‐modified carbon support (Ru/PEI‐XC).…”

Toward the fast and durable alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction on ruthenium

“…Recently, Chen's group applied N, O codoped porous hollow carbon as the support to prepare a RuP/NOC electrocatalyst. 93 The N, O codoped carbon support not only enhances the electrical conductivity of the catalyst, but also protects RuP nanoparticles from aggregation. Moreover, P atoms with strong electronegativity accept electrons from Ru atoms easily and further adjust the electronic structure of Ru, which could adjust the HBE and reduce the reaction energy barrier for the HOR.…”