Optimizing the electronic structure of Ru catalyst through heterogeneous interfaces for long-term alkaline oxygen evolution under industrial current density

The efficiency of hydrogen generation is constrained by oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which involves complex electron transfer processes. In order to design an efficient and stable catalyst for OER, we prepared a series of Ru-based catalysts by interface engineering and defect engineering. Among them, Ru–Co 3 O 4 -TM-8h demonstrated excellent OER activity (η = 243 mV @10 mA cm −2 ) and long-term stability (200 h @100 mA cm −2 ) in 1 M KOH. Besides, Ru–Co 3 O 4 -TM-8h || Pt/C can continuously operate for 100 h at 500 mA cm −2 . The loose and porous nano-flower morphology of Ru–Co 3 O 4 -TM-8h facilitates gas release and enhances electrolyte accessibility, exposing the active sites. The heterojunction interface between Ru and Co 3 O 4 optimizes the electronic structure of Ru sites, thereby suppressing the peroxidation reaction of Ru and improving the OER stability of Ru–Co 3 O 4 -TM-8h. This study offers valuable insights for the design of Ru-based catalysts with long-term stability in alkaline media.