Realizing an effective, binder-free, and super-wetting electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at full pH is essential for the creation of clean hydrogen. In this study, the Ru-loaded NiCo bimetallic hydroxide (Ru@NiCo-BH) catalyst was prepared by spontaneous redox reaction. The chemical interaction between Ru NPs and NiCo-BH by the Ru-O-M (M=Ni, Co) interface bond, the electron-rich Ru active site, and the multi-channel nickel foam carrier make the superhydrophilic and superaerophobic surface advantageous for mass transfer in the HER process. Therefore, Ru@NiCo-BH has remarkable HER activity, with low overpotential of 29, 68 and 80 mV, a 10 mA cm-2 current density can be obtained in alkaline, neutral and acidic electrolytes respectively. This work provides a reference for the rational development of universal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution in the all pH ranges through simple design strategies.
Keywords: Ru−O−M (M=Ni, Co) interfacial bond; all-pH ranges; hydrogen evolution reaction; spontaneous redox reaction; superwetting properties.
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