Breaking the Ru−O−Ru Symmetry of a RuO2 Catalyst for Sustainable Acidic Water Oxidation

• DOI: 10.1002/ange.202316903
• Publication Date: 2023-11-24T06:46:42Z
• Authors: Yi Wang; Xue Lei; Bo Zhang; Bing Bai; Pratteek Das; Tasmia Azam; Jianping Xiao; Zhong‐Shuai Wu
• Keywords: Overpotential; Oxygen evolution; Electrolysis of water

Abstract Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis is a highly promising hydrogen production technique for sustainable energy supply, however, achieving active and durable catalyst acidic oxidation still remains formidable challenge. Herein, we propose local microenvironment regulation strategy precisely tuning In−RuO 2 /graphene (In−RuO /G) with intrinsic electrochemical activity stability to boost oxidation. The /G displays robust acid oxygen evolution reaction performance mass of 671 A g cat −1 at 1.5 V, an overpotential 187 mV 10 mA cm −2 , long‐lasting 350 h 100 which arises from the asymmetric Ru−O−In structure interactions. Further, it unraveled theoretically that breaks thermodynamic limit traditional adsorption mechanism significantly weakens formation barrier OOH*, thus inducing new rate‐determining step OH* absorption. Therefore, this showcases immense potential constructing high‐performance catalysts electrolyzers.