Low-ruthenium-content NiRu nanoalloys encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon as highly efficient and pH-universal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract

Rational design and synthesis of low-cost and robust electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for the development of water electrolysis technology. In this work, low-ruthenium-content NiRu alloy nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon (NiRu@N–C) have been prepared through doping ruthenium species into nickel-based metal–organic frameworks followed by pyrolysis treatment. Benefiting from their unique structural advantages and synergic effect of the components, the as-obtained NiRu@N–C nanohybrids exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and good stability towards the HER in acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions.