Heterostructured CNT-RuSx nanomaterials for efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction

Heterostructured CNT-RuSx nanomaterials have been prepared by a facile and straightforward in-situ con-struction strategy. The obtained CNT-RuSx with abundant C-S-Ru interfaces demonstrates excellent catalytic hydrogen evolution activity comparable to commercial Pt/C. To afford a current density of 10 mA/cm2, the required overpotential was only 17 mV with a smaller Tafel slope of 35 mV/dec in 1 M KOH. Meanwhile, the outstanding catalytic stability is also achieved on CNT-RuSx, no obviously degradation in performance during long-term electrolysis under basic conditions. Theoretical calculations show that the C-S-Ru interfaces will facilitate the dissociation of water and reduce the free energy of H adsorption, thereby leading to dramatically enhanced hydrogen evolution performance. This work provides a technical guidance for the rational design and synthesis of novel C-based commercial catalysts for renewable energy conversion systems.