Bell-shaped RuFe/Ni5P4 for efficient urea-assisted electrolytic hydrogen production

Urea-assisted electrolytic hydrogen production requires much lower theoretical cell voltage than the conventional water splitting technology (E-theta = 0.37 V vs. 1.23 V), serving as a promising alternative for concepts of clean energy and cleaning pollutant. However, screening highly robust catalysts with industrial-level current density (>200 mA cm(-2)) is still challenging. To overcome this challenge, bell-shaped RuFe/Ni5P4 catalysts grown on nickel foam (NF) were developed via dual doping of Fe and Ru and a facile phosphidation process. The unique bell-shaped structure significantly contributes to the improved contact with the electrolyte, leading to the promoted mass transfer as well as the efficient release of CO2 and N-2 bubbles generated during the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Moreover, the strong electronic interaction between Ru and Ni5P4 ensures high UOR activity with a high current density of 600 mA cm(-2) at 1.45 V (vs. RHE). Moreover, an assembled Ru/NF|KOH, CO(NH2)(2)|RuFe/Ni5P4 electrolytic cell demonstrated a highly efficient hydrogen production rate in order to reach a current density of 600 mA cm(-2) at a low overall voltage of 1.55 V. This superior performance substantially satisfies the industrial requirement and paves the way to an efficient catalyst design for the UOR and green hydrogen production.

Automated summary

Urea-assisted electrolytic hydrogen production has lower voltage requirements and shows promise as an alternative for clean energy and pollution reduction. The development of bell-shaped RuFe/Ni5P4 catalysts through dual doping and phosphidation processes has demonstrated high hydrogen production efficiency.