Cu-mediated electron-rich Ru centers on metal carbides for highly efficient hydrogen production from seawater

Abstract

Seawater splitting for hydrogen production provides a promising pathway for green energy systems. However, the sluggish kinetics, corrosive ions, and the calcareous deposit seriously impede the wide-scale application of seawater electrolysis. Here, we report a trace amount of Cu-mediated anchoring electron-rich Ru centers on metal carbides (Cu-Ru/WC@C) for efficient hydrogen evolution from corrosive seawater. Benefiting from the conductive, electron-loss, and protophilic capacities of Cu atoms, the created Cu-Ru/WC@C catalyst possesses an electron-rich, anti-corrosive, and low oxophilic microenvironments, which eventually delivers excellent hydrogen evolution activities and anti-corrosion properties in seawater electrolysis. It requires a low overpotential of 392 mV to reach 1 A cm−2 and good long-term stability in alkaline seawater. Notably, the membrane electrolyzer with Cu-Ru/WC@C cathode exhibits outstanding performances for continuous H2 production under 1.875 V with 250 mA cm−2. This approach provides essential insights into the seawater corrosion resistance for cathode materials that match the electrochemical hydrogen production industry.