Stable hydrogen evolution reaction at high current densities via designing the Ni single atoms and Ru nanoparticles linked by carbon bridges

Abstract Continuous and effective hydrogen evolution under high current densities remains a challenge for water electrolysis owing to the rapid performance degradation under continuous large-current operation. In this study, theoretical calculations, operando Raman spectroscopy, and CO stripping experiments confirm that Ru nanocrystals have a high resistance against deactivation because of the synergistic adsorption of OH intermediates (OH ad ) on the Ru and single atoms. Based on this conceptual model, we design the Ni single atoms modifying ultra-small Ru nanoparticle with defect carbon bridging structure (UP-RuNi SAs /C) via a unique unipolar pulse electrodeposition (UPED) strategy. As a result, the UP-RuNi…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22102081, 201903D421073, 22075196, 22250710676, U22A20418, 21878204
• SS
  Shanxi Scholarship Council of China

  Award: 2022-050
• SP
  Shanxi Provincial Key Research and Development Project

  Award: 201903D421073