Constructing electron-regulating structure to stabilize ruthenium sites for efficient acidic water oxidation

Novel electrocatalysts based on ruthenium are ideal for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in extremely corrosive acidic environments. However, it is challenging to simultaneously increase the activity and stability of Ru-based OER catalysts. Herein, porous RuCuOx nanosheets on carbon paper (RuCuOx NS) were successfully synthesized through precise morphology modulation. The catalyst exhibits overpotential of 175 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and is more stable than the commercial RuO2. Based on experimental results, it seems that the doping of Cu atoms in RuO2 lattice induces the lattice distortion of RuO2 and constructs a Ru–O–Cu structure. Above structure could not only enhance the electron cloud density of Ru, facilitating the enhanced activity, but also reducing the adsorption toxicity of oxygen intermediates, which increases the active sites of catalysts. These discoveries might advance knowledge and the creation of more durable active Ru-based OER catalysts.