Superlattice in a Ru Superstructure for Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution

Superlattices are attracting extensive attention due to their unique properties. Nevertheless, the observations of superlattices are limited to those layered structures with weak interlayered interactions, and the effect of the superlattice in metal-based nanostructures on catalysis is unexplored yet. We here report a facile wet-chemical method for synthesizing two-dimensional Ru multilayered nanosheets (Ru MNSs) with a super-lattice. Characterizations reveal that the superlattice is formed by stacking Ru layers with twisted angles from 2 degrees to 30 degrees. Owing to the strong synergy between the adjacent layers, Ru MNSs can serve as an efficient catalyst for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Theoretical calculations reveal that the superlattice can induce the strain effect, which leads to lattice contraction and weak *H adsorption ability, as a result of improved HER performance. This work sheds new light on the utilization of the superlattice on enhancing catalysis in metal-based materials.

Automated summary

Superlattices formed by stacking Ru layers with twisted angles from 2 degrees to 30 degrees are synthesized and shown to exhibit excellent catalytic performance for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. The strain effect induced by the superlattice leads to lattice contraction and improved *H adsorption ability, resulting in enhanced catalytic performance. This work sheds new light on the use of superlattices for catalysis in metal-based materials.