Janus Dumbbell Ru–Pt Nanoparticles on Titanium Oxynitride Boost Hydrogen Evolution Across pH
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: While platinum nanocatalysts exhibit outstanding activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), their high cost and scarcity underscore the need to develop more efficient and sustainable alternatives. This work reports a highly active, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalytic composite for HER consisting of bimetallic Janus dumbbell Ru─Pt nanoparticles deposited on a titanium oxynitride-graphene support (Ru─Pt/TiON─C). Ru─Pt/TiON─C nanocomposite with particularly low metal loading of only 1.85 wt.% Pt and 5.5 wt.% Ru outperforms the 20 wt.% Pt/C benchmark catalyst in both acid and alkaline electrolytes. A joint experimental-theoretical approach, combining electrochemical measurements, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations, reveals that the improved performance and metal utilization stem from the intimate Ru─Pt─TiON interface. These findings point to beneficial support effects arising from TiON, together with Ru-induced modification of the Pt active sites that promotes more favorable hydrogen adsorption thermodynamics. Such a catalyst structure results in exceptional HER activity of Ru─Pt/TiON─C across the entire pH range.
Source: ChemSusChem
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.71203
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,550
OpenAlex ID: W7225623912