Metal-organic skeleton derived RuCoMoCuOx/C porous nanosheet as an efficient dual-function electrocatalyst for superior water decomposition

Abstract

Polymetallic composites can significantly affect the structure and active sites of materials. In this study, we prepared polymetallic organic structures using a metal-organic framework (MOF) synthesis strategy and a hydrothermal method. We controlled and adjusted the ratio of metals to create precursors, which were then calcined to produce targeted polymetallic oxides. The polymetallic oxides prepared (RuCoMoCuOx/C) demonstrated excellent properties for both HER and OER in 1.0 M KOH, with an overpotential of 136 mV @ 10 mA cm−2 for HER and 296 mV @ 10 mA cm−2 for OER. The efficient catalytic performance of dual hydrolysis is attributed to the lamellar porous structure of RuCoMoCuOx/C and the synergistic effect of each metal element in the polymetallic catalyst. DFT theoretical calculations show that when H2O molecules adsorb around Ru, Co, and Mo sites, OH* adsorbs at electron-deficient centers, while H+ is more readily adsorbed by electron-rich Cu sites. This unique configuration is more conducive to water dissociation.