Blocking Metal Nanocluster Growth through Ligand Coordination and Subsequent Polymerization: The Case of Ruthenium Nanoclusters as Robust Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts

Metal nanoclusters providing maximized atomic surface exposure offer outstanding hydrogen evolution activities but their stability is compromised as they are prone to grow and agglomerate. Herein, a possibility of blocking metal ion diffusion at the core of cluster growth and aggregation to produce highly active Ru nanoclusters supported on an N, S co-doped carbon matrix (Ru/NSC) is demonstrated. To stabilize the nanocluster dispersion, Ru species are initially coordinated through multiple Ru─N bonds with N-rich 4'-(4-aminophenyl)-2,2:6',2''-terpyridine (TPY-NH₂) ligands that are subsequently polymerized using a Schiff base. After the pyrolysis of the hybrid composite, highly dispersed ultrafine Ru nanoclusters with an average size of 1.55 nm are obtained. The optimized Ru/NSC displays minimal overpotentials and high turnover frequencies, as well as robust durability both in alkaline and acidic electrolytes. Besides, outstanding mass activities of 3.85 A mg^-1 _Ru at 50 mV, i.e., 16 fold higher than 20 wt.% Pt/C are reached. Density functional theory calculations rationalize the outstanding performance by revealing that the low d-band center of Ru/NSC allows the desorption of *H intermediates, thereby enhancing the alkaline HER activity. Overall, this work provides a feasible approach to engineering cost-effective and robust electrocatalysts based on carbon-supported transition metal nanoclusters for future energy technologies.