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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kui Zhang
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© 2025 Elsevier B.V. Developing cost-effective, durable, efficient and stable electrocatalysts is crucial for the industrialization of fuel cells. Due to their significant energy density, and environmentally friendly characteristics, direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) have garnered considerable interest. In this study, we report a direct one-step synthesis approach using plasma technology to prepare a RuO2/B2O3 double oxide (Ru-B) catalyst characterized by rich vacancy defects. By precisely adjusting the molar ratios of Ru and B and optimizing plasma treatment parameters, a sparse nanoparticle structure was achieved that not only increased the specific surface area but also enhanced the number of active sites and facilitated efficient electron transfer. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations show that the H- and OH-binding energies on the RuO2/B2O3 surface are reduced compared to their respective monoxides, thus releasing more BH4 adsorption sites, which is essential for high BOR rates. The catalyst shows remarkable electrochemical properties, with low charge transfer resistance (Rct=1.75 Ω), overpotential (102 mV), and Tafel slope (156.1 mV del−1) at room temperature. Moreover, the Ru-B electrodes exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance and sustained long-term stability, achieving an impressive maximum power density of 288 mW cm−2 at 25℃. Additionally, they maintained exceptional stability for over 330 hours under a current of 20 mA. These electrodes offer cost efficiency and outperform traditional Pt/C catalysts in catalytic performance, making them well-suited for practical deployment in fuel cells.
Author(s): Liao G, Li S, Luo Y, Xin Z, Li Q, Tan R, Zhang K, Feng Z
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2025
Volume: 1013
Print publication date: 31/01/2025
Online publication date: 09/01/2025
Acceptance date: 09/01/2025
ISSN (print): 0925-8388
ISSN (electronic): 1873-4669
Publisher: Elsevier BV
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.178599
DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.178599