Efficient Acidic Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Enabled by Ru Single Atoms Anchored on Hematite Photoanodes

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting in acidic media holds promise as an efficient approach to renewable hydrogen production. However, the development of highly active and stable photoanodes under acidic conditions remains a significant challenge. Herein, we demonstrate the remarkable water oxidation performance of Ru single atom decorated hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ) photoanodes, resulting in a high photocurrent of 1.42 mA cm −2 at 1.23 V RHE under acidic conditions. Comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigations shed light on the mechanisms underlying the superior activity of the Ru-decorated photoanode. The presence of single Ru atoms enhances the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers, facilitating efficient water oxidation kinetics on the Fe 2 O 3 surface. This is achieved by creating additional energy levels within the Fe 2 O 3 bandgap and optimizing the free adsorption energy of intermediates. These modifications effectively lower the energy barrier of the rate-determining step for water splitting, thereby promoting efficient PEC hydrogen production.

Enhancing the acidic oxygen evolution reaction performance of RuO2-TiO2 by a reduction-oxidation process

“…Currently, only iridium (Ir), one of the rare elements, meets the balance between activity and stability for acidic OER [11,12]. Replacing Ir by Ruthenium (Ru) is a potential way to lower the price of PEMWE since Ru is less expensive and more active compared to Ir [13][14][15]. However, Ru-based acidic OER catalysts suffer from quick degradation, most Ru-based catalysts are stable under electrochemical conditions for hundreds of hours.…”

Spin-Steered Photosynthesis of H2O2 in Magnetic Single-Atom Modified Covalent Triazine Frameworks: A Density Functional Theory Study

“…Single-atom catalysts, renowned for their exceptional atomic utilization, remarkable catalytic activity, and distinct active sites, have emerged as a focal point in the modification of photocatalysts [8][9][10]. However, the experimental preparation and exploration of single-atom catalysts loaded within COFs present formidable challenges in terms of cost and complexity, thereby impeding progress in H 2 O 2 photosynthesis [11][12][13]. Theoretical investigations into the utilization of single-atom-loaded COFs for photocatalytic H 2 O 2 synthesis remain highly significant in screening exceptional catalysts.…”

Advancing BiVO4 Photoanode Activity for Ethylene Glycol Oxidation via Strategic pH Control

“…Molecular hydrogen serves as both a fundamental building block for the chemical industry and a promising carbon-free energy carrier [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Over the past few decades, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has emerged as a viable method to harness solar energy and generate clean hydrogen fuel [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. In recent decades, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has emerged as a promising method for harnessing solar energy to produce clean hydrogen fuel, addressing the challenges of solar energy intermittency [ 13 ].…”