Interfacial modulation of Ru catalysts using B, N co-doped porous carbon-confined MoC quantum dots for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance

Abstract

The development of high-performance electrocatalysts that rival Pt catalysts is crucial for efficiently driving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to produce H₂. Herein, we engineer sophisticated interfacial modulation of the Ru catalysts by constructing B, N co-doped porous carbon confined ultra-small MoC quantum dots (MoC@BNC) as an advanced catalyst carrier and stimulator. Combined experimental and theoretical calculations prove enhanced electron interaction between the Ru catalysts and the MoC quantum dots. Additionally, the B, N co-doped carbon substrate further refines the electronic structure of MoC, reinforcing the modulation of Ru catalysts. The Ru/MoC@BNC catalyst embodies a boosted H₂O dissociation ability with a lowered H bonding strength, which promises an outstanding HER performance with an overpotential of 14 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² in an alkaline solvent. Furthermore, robust catalytic stability is achieved with almost zero deterioration after the cycling test. This result exemplifies the importance of interfacial manipulation of the Ru catalysts to promote HER catalytic performance.