Phosphorus Doping in PtRu Nanoalloys to Boost Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The study focuses on the challenge of achieving high-purity hydrogen through alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using PtRu nanoalloys. Traditional Pt-based catalysts face limitations in alkaline media due to poor water dissociation capabilities. The authors introduce phosphorus (P) doping into PtRu alloys to optimize electronic structures and reduce energy barriers for water dissociation. This innovative approach involves a simple, environmentally friendly method that maintains the crystallinity and particle size of the precursors. The P-doped PtRu/C catalyst exhibits remarkable HER activity, achieving lower overpotentials and a significantly improved Tafel slope compared to PtRu/C and commercial JM Pt/C catalysts. The synergistic effects among Pt, Ru, and P in P-PtRu/C are highlighted as key factors contributing to the exceptional performance. The study also investigates the impact of P-doping amount on catalytic activity, confirming the optimal concentration for enhanced HER performance. The results indicate the potential for practical application of P-doped PtRu nanoalloys in sustainable energy technologies.