Abstract
Reasonable structure design and fine electronic modulation are the keys to achieving the platinum-like hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance on Ru-based catalyst, but also challenges. Here, the integration of uniformly dispersed ultra-fine Ru nanoparticles with β-hexagonal ammonium tungsten bronze (β-HATB) nanowires is reported as an efficient acidic electrocatalyst. Due to the strong metal-support interaction, the surface charge state of Ru is effectively regulated, forming a mixed valence state composed of zero valence and offset state. The prepared Ru@β-HATB/CC exhibits a Pt-like catalytic activity with a small overpotential of 25 mV and a very low Tafel slope of 27.6 mV dec−1. In-situ Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis reveal that β-HATB does not directly participate in HER reaction and hydrogen spillover effect (Hads from β-HATB to Ru NPs) is not the main reason for the hydrogen evolution activity, but β-HATB can optimize the kinetics of hydrogen adsorption/desorption behavior on Ru surface and provide a stable and fast charge transfer channel, thus improving HER activity.
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