Temperature-controlled synthesis of heterostructured Ru-Ru2P nanoparticles embedded in carbon nanofibers for highly efficient hydrogen production

Developing highly efficient, cost-effective, and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of considerable importance but remains challenging. Herein, we report the fabrication a robust Ru-based electrocatalyst, which comprises heterostructured Ru-Ru2P nanoparticles that are embedded in N,P-codoped carbon nanofibers (CNFs), through synthetic strategy involving electrospinning temperature-controlled pyrolysis treatment. The as-prepared catalyst (Ru-Ru2P@CNFs) shows excellent HER catalytic activities with low overpotentials 11 14 mV acidic alkaline media, respectively, to achieve current density 10 mA cm−2, superior individual components pure Ru Ru2P catalysts. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate existence electronic coupling effect between at heterointerfaces, leading well-modulated structure optimized adsorption strength enhanced electrical conductivity efficient electrocatalysis. In addition, overall can be generalized synthesis series transitional metal phosphide-based nanofibers, thereby holding remarkable capacity various potential applications.