Modulation of Hydrogen Desorption Capability of Ruthenium Nanoparticles via Electronic Metal-Support Interactions for Enhanced Hydrogen Production in Alkaline Seawater

The development of efficient and stable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is essential for the realization of effective hydrogen production via seawater electrolysis. Herein, the study has developed a simple method that combines electrospinning with subsequent thermal shock technology to effectively disperse ruthenium nanoparticles onto highly conductive titanium carbide nanofibers (Ru@TiC). The electronic metal-support interactions (EMSI) resulted from charge redistribution at the interface between the Ru nanoparticles and the TiC support can optimize hydrogen desorption kinetics of Ru sites and induce the hydrogen spillover phenomenon, thereby improving hydrogen evolution. As a result, the Ru@TiC catalyst exhibits outstanding HER activity, requiring low overpotentials of only 65 mV in alkaline seawater at the current density of 100 mA cm-2. Meanwhile, Ru@TiC demonstrates excellent stability, maintaining consistent operation at 500 mA cm(-2) for at least 250 hours. Additionally, an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer incorporating Ru@TiC operated continuously for over 500 hours at 200 mA cm-2 in alkaline seawater. This study highlights the significant potential of robust TiC supports in the fabrication of efficient and enduring electrocatalysts that enhance hydrogen production in complex seawater environments.