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Temperature-dependent mechanism evolution on RhRu3Ox for acidic water oxidation

Author

Listed:
  • Ming-Rong Qu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Heng Liu

    (Tohoku University)

  • Si-Hua Feng

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xiao-Zhi Su

    (Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, CAS)

  • Jie Xu

    (Wenzhou University)

  • Heng-Li Duan

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Rui-Qi Liu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • You-Yi Qin

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Wen-Sheng Yan

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Sheng Zhu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Rui Wu

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Gusu Laboratory of Materials)

  • Hao Li

    (Tohoku University)

  • Shu-Hong Yu

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

The oxygen evolution reaction, as the anodic reaction of many electrochemical devices, plays a crucial role in energy conversion. However, the insufficient stability of non-iridium-based materials during the oxygen evolution reaction has severely limited the large-scale application of such devices. Here, using a home-made operando differential electrochemical mass spectrometry system, we show a temperature dependent mechanism evolution effect of RhRu3Ox in the oxygen evolution process, which highlights the role of temperature in triggering mechanism evolution. This effect enriches the strategies for pathway manipulation. Since different kinetic pathways can influence catalyst stability, this finding suggests that temperature-dependent pathway regulation may serve as an approach to optimize stability. To evaluate the potential of RhRu3Ox for practical applications, we assemble it into a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer and demonstrate its stability at room temperature for over 1000 hours at a current density of 200 mA cm−2. Density functional theory studies suggest that the existence of a kinetic barrier related to lattice oxygen activation might be the reason for the observed temperature dependent behavior of RhRu3Ox at elevated temperatures.

Suggested Citation

  • Ming-Rong Qu & Heng Liu & Si-Hua Feng & Xiao-Zhi Su & Jie Xu & Heng-Li Duan & Rui-Qi Liu & You-Yi Qin & Wen-Sheng Yan & Sheng Zhu & Rui Wu & Hao Li & Shu-Hong Yu, 2025. "Temperature-dependent mechanism evolution on RhRu3Ox for acidic water oxidation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64286-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64286-1
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