Coordination Engineering of Ultra?Uniform Ruthenium Nanoclusters as Efficient Multifunctional Catalysts for Zinc–Air Batteries

The lack of highly efficient, inexpensive catalysts severely hinders the large-scale application electrochemical energy conversion technologies (e.g., hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for production, metal–air batteries (Cathode: oxygen reduction (ORR))). As a new class nanomaterials with high ratio surface atoms and tunable composition electronic structure, metal nanocluster (NCs) are promising candidates as catalysts. Herein, novel catalyst using S,N-doped carbon matrix (NSCSs) is synthesized to efficiently stabilize density ultra-uniform ruthenium (Ru) nanoclusters ([email protected]) by small-molecule self-assembly pyrolysis approach. obtained [email protected] exhibits outstanding HER activity in all pH conditions (especially low overpotential 5 mV at current 10 mA cm?2 1 m KOH) excellent ORR performance (half-wave potential (E 1/2) 0.854 V 0.1 KOH). Based on experimental investigations theoretical calculations, it discovered that S-atom can modulate structure optimization redox states surficial sites Ru NCs during process. This work provides feasible strategy understanding regulating metal–support interface