Electronic metal-support interaction in Ru–Co catalysts boosts H2 generation via sodium borohydride hydrolysis

Developing high-efficiency and stable catalysts for NaBH 4 hydrolysis is critical for safe, high-density and on-demand hydrogen generation. Herein, a core-shell structured Co@SiO 2 @C composite was fabricated as support to immobilize Ru nanoparticles, which precisely regulates electron-metal-support interactions (EMSI). The SiO 2 layer inhibits Ru aggregation and carbon layer accelerates electron transfer, synergistically optimizing Ru electron density and boosting Co–Ru dual active sites. The composite catalyst Co@SiO 2 @C–Ru exhibits significantly enhanced catalytic performance, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 7783.2 mL min −1  g −1 at 25 °C, substantially surpassing most previously reported catalysts. Furthermore, the catalyst retains excellent catalytic activity after five cycles, demonstrating favorable structural and performance stability. Mechanism studies confirm that EMSI drives electron transfer from Co to Ru, optimizing BH 4 – ${\text{BH}}_4^{–}$ adsorption and activation via Michaelis–Menten kinetics. This work offers a facile strategy for constructing high-performance dual-metal core-shell hydrolysis catalysts.