Photochemically activated atomic ruthenium supported on boron-doped carbon as a robust electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Tailored single-atom catalysts can trigger breakthroughs in the development of high-performance and low-cost energy conversion systems, especially in the case of supported noble metal electrocatalysts. However, the weak interactions between unsaturated metal atoms and supports can result in metal dissolution or aggregation in a harsh electrochemical environment. Here we report a facile yet effective method to stabilize atomic Ru–N sites on boron-doped carbon by mild photo-activation. Owing to the presence of adjacent B/N co-doped pairs, Ru atoms are firmly anchored on Ru–N–B–C centers leading to an enhanced metal–support interaction, with a Gibbs free energy close to zero for adsorption of H*. The resulting highly stabilized atomic Ru has excellent catalytic activity with efficient metal utilization towards the hydrogen evolution reaction in either alkaline or acidic electrolyte (with turnover frequencies of 2.82 and 1.02 H₂ per s, respectively), along with good rate capability and anti-reverse-current ability in long-term operation. This work opens a new route to prepare highly robust single-atom catalysts, which have good prospects for practical application in high-performance and low-cost electrochemical energy conversion devices.