Decoupling fast hydrogen oxidation reaction on a tandem electrocatalyst

The hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) shows fast kinetics in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), and has not drawn intense attention. Here, we propose a tandem electrocatalysis concept, decoupling HOR on two independent active sites for accelerated kinetics. As a proof-of-concept application, a Ru-based tandem HOR catalyst is designed, with Ru nanoclusters decorated with Pt single atoms. Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that H2 dissociation occurs at Ru sites, and then the produced H species migrate to Pt sites followed by the desorption of H+. The strong Ru-H interaction promotes the H2 dissociation step, while the optimum Pt-H interaction ensures the fast desorption, thereby substantially enhancing the HOR kinetics. In H2–O2 fuel cells, this catalyst enables a peak power density of 1.91 W cm−2 and a high anodic mass activity of 23.12 A mg−1 at 0.9 ViR-free with an ultralow noble metal loading of 5 μg cm−2. This work advances the development of low-cost anode catalysts for fuel cells and provides more insight into understanding hydrogen electrocatalysis. Developing low-Pt or Pt-free electrocatalysts is critical for lowering the cost of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Here, the authors report a low-cost and high performance tandem catalyst, with Ru nanoclusters decorated with Pt single atoms, for the anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction.