RuO ₂ as promoter in Pt‐RuO ₂ ‐ nanostructures/carbon composite, a pH ‐universal catalyst for hydrogen evolution/oxidation reactions

Abstract

Summary The development of new catalysts for Hydrogen evolution reaction/Hydrogen oxidation reaction (HER/HOR) is of crucial importance for the commercialization of Proton‐exchange membrane/Anion‐exchange membrane‐based renewable technologies. The sluggish HER/HOR kinetic (in base) and poor HER/HOR stability (in acid) of commercial Pt/C are the main obstacles. Interface engineering in multi‐component nanostructures is a method for enhanced electrochemical performances. We report interfaces‐engineered RuO2‐Pt/C as a pH‐independent catalyst for Hydrogen oxidation reaction/Hydrogen evolution reaction applications. The Hydrogen oxidation reaction/Hydrogen evolution reaction activity of RuO2‐Pt/C is one order magnitude higher than commercial Pt/C in base and 2.5‐fold higher in acid. It shows excellent stability in acid and base. It exhibits excellent pH tolerant HOR behavior. The i0,m of RuO2‐Pt/C in the base is ~1833 A.g−1RuPt which is 8‐fold higher than commercial Pt/C. The RuO2 in RuO2‐Pt/C makes it more active toward HER/HOR in base. Although it has similar activity in acid, its basic activity is 29‐fold higher than Ru‐Pt‐NPs/C. Hydrogen binding energy and OH binding energy are two equivalent descriptors for HOR/HER in base. HOR/HER activity of this catalyst in different 0.1 M electrolyte decreases in the sequence of Li+ > Na+ > K+ but improved HER and decreased HOR is observed with increasing Li+ ions. The [(H2O)x‐AM+‐(OH)ad] in double‐layer influences HOR/HER performance of RuO2‐Pt/C. This catalyst has great potential for application in PEM/AEM‐based devices.

Enhancement of Oxidation of Dimethyl Ether Through Utilization of SnO2 for Immobilization of Pt Catalytic Nanoparticles

“…The activity of anode catalysts is crucial for improving the electrooxidation of dimethyl ether for direct dimethyl ether fuel cell (DDFC) [12]. The platinum (Pt)-based catalyst, generally used as vigorous materials in DDFC, is one of the best catalyst for DME oxidation reaction [13,14]. However, the fast agglomeration and separation of Pt during the apparatus action reduce the activity and stability of catalysts due to the seriously feeble van der Waals interaction between Pt and carbon [15,16].…”