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Unraveling the Harmonious Coexistence of Ruthenium States on a Self-Standing Electrode for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
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  • Joonhee Ma,
  • Jin Hyuk Cho,
  • Chaehyeon Lee,
  • Moon Sung Kang,
  • Sungkyun Choi,
  • Ho Won Jang,
  • Sang Hyun Ahn,
  • Seoin Back,
  • Soo Young Kim
Joonhee Ma
Korea University
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Jin Hyuk Cho
Korea University
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Chaehyeon Lee
Sogang University
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Moon Sung Kang
Pusan National University
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Sungkyun Choi
Seoul National University
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Ho Won Jang
Seoul National University
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Sang Hyun Ahn
Chung-Ang University
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Seoin Back
Sogang University
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Soo Young Kim
Korea University

Corresponding Author:sooyoungkim@korea.ac.kr

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Abstract

The development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and durable electrocatalysts has been a paramount pursuit for advancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, a simplified synthesis protocol was designed to achieve a self-standing electrode, composed of activated carbon paper embedded with Ru single-atom catalysts and Ru nanoclusters (ACP/RuSAC+C) via acid activation, immersion, and high-temperature pyrolysis. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations are employed to gain a more profound understanding of the impact of acid activation on carbon paper. Furthermore, the coexistence states of the Ru atoms are confirmed via aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations reveal that introducing a Ru single atom site adjacent to the Ru nanoclusters induces a synergistic effect, tuning the electronic structure and thereby significantly enhancing their catalytic performance. Notably, the ACP/RuSAC+C exhibits a remarkable turnover frequency (TOF) of 18 s-1 and an exceptional mass activity (MA) of 2.2 A mg-1, surpassing the performance of conventional Pt electrodes. The self-standing electrode, featuring harmoniously coexisting Ru states, stands out as a prospective choice for advancing HER catalysts, enhancing energy efficiency, productivity, and selectivity.
24 Jan 2024Submitted to Energy & Environmental Materials
28 Jan 2024Submission Checks Completed
28 Jan 2024Assigned to Editor
28 Jan 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Feb 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Apr 2024Submission Checks Completed
02 Apr 2024Assigned to Editor
02 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Apr 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned