RuC-Cu nanoparticles on laser-induced N,P-doped graphene for cost-effective and synergistic-catalytic alkaline hydrogen evolution

Developing efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen evolution (HER) to replace expensive Pt-based catalysts remains a critical challenge. Herein, we report a strategically designed catalyst by anchoring adjacent Cu and RuC nanoparticles on laser-induced N,P-doped graphene (RuC-Cu/NP-G). This catalyst operates via a synergistic process, whereby RuC serves as the primary active site with the adjacent Cu-mediated water dissociation. The RuC-Cu/NP-G catalyst demonstrates superior cost-effectiveness, with a mass activity 15 times higher and a price activity about 22 times greater than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the RuC-Cu/NP-G deposited on a carbon paper substrate can be directly used as the cathode in an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer, delivering stable operation at high current densities up to 500 mA cm −2 for over 200 h. This work provides a rational design principle for high-performance, cost-efficient catalysts, highlighting a direct path toward scalable green hydrogen production.