Electrodeposition strategies for synthetic highly dispersed Ru-decorated Co(OH)2 nanoneedles as advanced hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts

Ru-based nanomaterials have a lot of potential as electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts; however, achieving a uniform dispersion of Ru nanoparticles on substrate materials remains a key challenge. To achieve this, in the current study, we formed NF/Co(OH)2/Ru by electrodepositing Ru nanoparticles onto Co(OH)2 nanoneedles. The Co and O vacancies in the sample promoted water decomposition and the cleavage of O-H bonds, while the high surface energies at the apexes of the Co(OH)2 nanoneedles supported the even growth and attachment of Ru nanoparticles. In addition, the electron-rich Ru nanoparticles aided in the desorption of hydrogen intermediates. Compared to recently published Ru-based HER materials, the NF/Co(OH)2/Ru material created in this study shown improved electrochemical characteristics, with an overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 35.43 mV·dec−1. Therefore, this material and the findings of this study are expected to contribute to HER research.