Hydrophilicity and electronic structure modulation of Pb-doped RuO2 for pH-universal oxygen evolution catalysis

Exploring oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts over a universal pH range to simultaneously achieve enhanced activity, improved stability and reduced cost is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Considering the hydrophilicity and electronegativity disparity between Pb and Ru, herein, a Pb doped RuO 2 catalyst and its application as electrocatalyst for OER under universal pH conditions are studied. Due to the modified hydrophilicity and electronic structure, the Pb 0.1 Ru 0.9 O 2 only requires an overpotential of 207 mV to obtain a current density of 10 mA cm −2 in acidic environment, and overpotentials of 232 mV and 363 mV are required in alkaline and neutral environments, respectively. Moreover, extensive stability assessments conducted over a 24-h period reveal remarkable stability of the catalyst in diverse environments, encompassing acidic, alkaline, and neutral conditions. Additionally, the utilization of density functional theory (DFT) computations offers persuasive evidence that the inclusion of Pb within RuO 2 can significantly alter its electronic configuration, thereby promoting efficient electron transfer processes. This modulation of the electronic structure is crucial for enhancing the catalytic performance of the material. This research paves the way for innovative designs of highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, featuring minimized use of precious metals, heightened catalytic prowess, and unparalleled stability across a broad pH range.