Strong electronic coupling between ruthenium single atoms and ultrafine nanoclusters enables economical and effective hydrogen production

Although Ru-based materials have been recognized as promising electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), further improving the mass activity and guaranteeing the high-throughput H2 production of the catalysts is of vital importance. Herein, Ru single atoms coupling with ultrafine nanoclusters on hierarchical porous N-doped carbon (NMC-RuSA+NC) has been synthesized as economical and effective HER catalysts. Density function theory and the experimental results reveal that the strong electronic coupling effects between Ru single atoms and nanoclusters and unique hierarchical structure enable NMC-RuSA+NC with the ultralow overpotential for achieving 500 mA cm−2 in alkaline and acidic conditions. More importantly, the NMC-RuSA+NC affords a higher mass activity and a lower cost for generating H2 than those of commercial Pt/C, justifiably proving its remarkable advantages for industrial use. This work offers precise guidance to design catalysts for high-throughput H2 production from the in-depth understanding of the electronic coupling effect of coupling active sites.