Electron redistribution of ruthenium-tungsten oxides Mott-Schottky heterojunction for enhanced hydrogen evolution

Developing efficient electrocatalysts is of significance for hydrogen production in acid electrolyte. In this work, we report a facile decoration of ruthenium species onto tungsten oxides to construct the Mott-Schottky heterojunction electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution. The resultant Ru-WO(2.72 )hybrid exhibits a superior Ru-based mass activity of 161.6 times higher than that of commercial Ru/C for hydrogen evolution, featuring a Tafel slope of 50 mV dec(-1) and 40 mV overpotential at the current density of 10 mA cm(-2). The uniform distribution of Ru species triggers a strong electron transfer across the Ru-WO2.72 Schottky barrier, resulting in a largely increased local electron density on the active Ru surface. Such electron enrichment induced by the Mott-Schottky effect at the metal-metal oxides interface is responsible for enhanced hydrogen production. This work demonstrates an effective strategy by Mott-Schottky effect to regulate electron distribution, which would evoke more inspiration in designing efficient electrocatalysis and beyond.

Automated summary

In this study, a strategy of utilizing the Mott-Schottky effect to regulate electron distribution is demonstrated for developing an effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution in acid electrolyte. The hybrid Ru-WO(2.72) catalyst exhibits superior activity, with the Ru-based mass activity 161.6 times higher than that of commercial Ru/C. The enhanced hydrogen production is attributed to the electron enrichment induced by the Mott-Schottky effect at the metal-metal oxides interface.