Highly efficient and durable P, Ru–CeO2 self-supporting electrodes toward industrial-level hydrogen production

Abstract

The electrolysis of seawater has become a preferred method for hydrogen production since the current shortage of freshwater resources, offering an effective strategy to address the energy crisis. Nevertheless, this technology is limited by the following two factors: (i) low stability of catalytic materials at high-current density and (ii) accelerated corrosion rate of the electrode due to high concentrations of chloride ions (Cl⁻). Herein, an ultrafine phosphorus (P) and ruthenium (Ru) co-doped cerium dioxide (CeO₂) self-supporting electrode (P, Ru–CeO₂) was constructed via a high-pressure treatment strategy. Under the oxygen vacancies (O_v) in the CeO₂ support and the anionic protective layer formed by the P–O bond, the electrode exhibits exceptional catalytic activity and durability in saline-alkali water, which only requires 291 mV to reach 1000 mA cm⁻² in 1 M KOH + 1.5 M NaCl electrolyte. Besides, the electrode could operate stably at 1000 mA cm⁻² over 100 h without significant attenuation, which can reach the level of industrial water electrolysis. This work presents a novel approach to designing and engineering excellent catalysts for industrial water electrolysis.