Polarized Ultrathin BN Induced Dynamic Electron Interactions for Enhancing Acidic Oxygen Evolution

Abstract

Developing ruthenium-based heterogeneous catalysts with an efficient and stable interface is essential for enhanced acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report a defect-rich ultrathin boron nitride nanosheet support with relatively independent electron donor and acceptor sites, which serves as an electron reservoir and receiving station for RuO₂, realizing the rapid supply and reception of electrons. Through precisely controlling the reaction interface, a low OER overpotential of only 180 mV (at 10 mA cm^-2) and long-term operational stability (350 h) are achieved, suggesting potential practical applications. In situ characterization and theoretical calculations have validated the existence of a localized electronic recycling between RuO₂ and ultrathin BN nanosheets (BNNS). The electron-rich Ru sites accelerate the adsorption of water molecules and the dissociation of intermediates, while the interconnection between the O-terminal and B-terminal edge establishes electronic back-donation, effectively suppressing the over-oxidation of lattice oxygen. This study provides a new perspective for constructing a stable and highly active catalytic interface.