Performance of Low-Pressure-Plasma-Processed RuCo Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

RuCo/acid-treated nickel foam (ANF) has been reported to be an excellent electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, we perform plasma treatment with Ar, Ar/H2 (95:5), and Ar/O2 (95:5) as working gases for surface modification to explore the effect on HER performance. The developed electrocatalysts are tested in an alkaline solution (1 M KOH); the results show that Ar/H2 (95:5) plasma treatment significantly improves the electrocatalytic activity of RuCo/ANF, achieving an overpotential of 98 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry analyses shSow a large reduction in the charge transfer impedance and a significant increase in the electric double-layer capacitance. This study provides a facile strategy to activate RuCo to improve HER performance.