Tunable <scp>Ru‐Ru₂P</scp> heterostructures with charge redistribution for efficient <scp>pH‐universal</scp> hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Abstract Designing synergistic heterogeneous catalytic interfaces is the key to developing highly compatible pH‐universal electrocatalysts for complex chemical environments. Our theoretical calculation results demonstrate that the Ru‐Ru 2 P heterointerface can not only promote the redistribution of charges, but also reduce the d ‐band center, and then enhances the adsorption capacity of the key intermediate. However, in situ and facile synthesis of Ru‐Ru 2 P heterostructures is severely limited by thermodynamic obstacles. Herein, we propose a molten salt‐assisted catalytic synthesis scheme, and successfully build a series of homologous metallic Ru‐Ru 2 P heterostructure catalysts with different molar ratios of Ru to P under atmospheric pressure and low‐temperature (400°C). The resultant Ru‐Ru 2 P with rich heterostructures show the Pt‐like HER performance in different pH media. Particularly, it is prominent under alkaline conditions (18 mV @ 10 mA cm − 2 ), which outperforms the Pt catalyst (37 mV @ 10 mA cm − 2 ). Furthermore, Ru‐Ru 2 P heterostructures also show certain potential in the electrolysis of seawater to produce hydrogen. This work represents a significant supplement of high‐efficiency pH‐universal HER catalysts, and provides a new light on interface engineering in energy technology fields and beyond.