High-Performance Ru2P Anodic Catalyst for Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Exploring efficient and economical electrocatalysts and understanding the mechanism for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) are crucial to facilitate the development of alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs). Herein, Ru2P was synthesized and used as an anodic HOR electrocatalyst for APEFC, achieving a peak power density of 1.3 W cm(-2), the highest value among Pt-free anode electrocatalysts reported under the same conditions. From the density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental results, it was found that besides the optimized hydrogen binding energy, the enhanced adsorption strength of oxygenated species (OH*) and the reduced work function of Ru2P contributed to the enhanced HOR performance. The normalized exchange current densities of Ru2P/C were 0.37 mA cm(ECSA)(-2) and 0.27 mA mu g(Ru)(-1), respectively, both approximately three times higher than those of Ru when conducted in the rotating disk electrode (RDE) system. Our work provides a new pathway for exploring highly active Pt-free HOR electrocatalysts and expanding the family of anodic electrocatalysts for APEFCs. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Exploring efficient and economical electrocatalysts and understanding the mechanism for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction are crucial for the development of alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells. In this study, Ru2P was synthesized and used as an anodic electrocatalyst, achieving a high peak power density. The enhanced hydrogen binding energy, adsorption strength of oxygenated species, and reduced work function of Ru2P contributed to the improved HOR performance. The normalized exchange current densities of Ru2P/C were significantly higher than those of Ru, demonstrating its potential as a highly active Pt-free HOR electrocatalyst.