One-step synthesis of atomic Ru doped ultra-thin Co(OH)2 nanosheets for oxygen evolution reaction in different pH values

Herein, atomic Ru doped ultra-thin Co(OH)(2) nanosheet arrays are firstly synthesized by a one-step electrochemical deposition method. Importantly, the obtained electrocatalyst can display excellent activity for oxygen evolution reaction, which only needs 305 mV at 50 mA cm(-2) in 1 M KOH and 261 mV at 10 mA cm(-2) in 0.1 M KOH. Further mechanism studies disclose that the doping of Ru could reduce the thickness of nanosheets and contribute to the generation of active Co3+ sites by donating electrons from Co to Ru atoms via the Co-O-Ru bonds. This work paves a simple method to fabricate Co based nanosheet catalyst, which may be extended to the preparation of other highly active electrocatalysts. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Atomic Ru doped ultra-thin Co(OH)(2) nanosheet arrays were synthesized for the first time through one-step electrochemical deposition, exhibiting excellent activity for oxygen evolution reaction. The doping of Ru reduced nanosheet thickness and facilitated the generation of active Co3+ sites. This work provides a simple method for fabricating highly active Co-based nanosheet catalysts, with potential for preparing other highly active electrocatalysts.