Ruthenium-based molecular compounds for oxygen evolution in acidic media

The purpose of this communication is to report on the electrochemical activity of ruthenium-based molecular compounds with regard to the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media, in view of application in PEM water electrolysers. Reference cyclic voltammograms of the species dissolved in acetonitrile have been recorded. Then, a modified glassy carbon electrode has been prepared and cyclic voltammetry has been used to evaluate the performance of the ruthenium compounds with regard to the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media. Finally, a membrane-electrode assembly has been prepared using a carbon-coated ruthenium compound at the anode and platinum at the cathode. Quasi-stationary polarization curves have been recorded and compared to those obtained with more conventional electrocatalysts. Copyright (C) 2012, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.