Interfacial engineering activates the oxide pathway mechanism of the ruthenium dioxide for efficient acidic water oxidation

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2025.09.041

Abstract

Abstract: Developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media is crucial for advancing sustainable hydrogen production. Herein, we construct tungsten trioxide and ruthenium dioxide (WO₃-RuO₂) heterojunctions grown on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Transmission electron microscopy images confirm the formation of the WO₃-RuO₂ heterojunctions. The synthesized WO₃-RuO₂/rGO catalyst exhibits superior catalytic activity (η₁₀ = 210 mV) and can operate for 500 h in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that lattice distortion at the heterointerface modulates the Ru electronic structure, optimizes the adsorption energies of key intermediates, and lowers the energy barrier of the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM). Furthermore, in-situ spectroscopy tests reveal the presence of the AEM and the oxide pathway mechanism (OPM), which is attributed to the interfacial Ru-O-W coordination. This dual-pathway activation enhances both activity and stability of WO₃-RuO₂/rGO catalyst.

Key words: RuO₂, Oxygen evolution reaction, Heterostructure, WO₃

Long Tiantian, Chen Qiang, Jia Liangyong, Li Mingyang, Cheng Ping, Li Jiahui, Chen Chunguang, Lei Yuhui, Yang Guangzhi, Yang Weiwei. Interfacial engineering activates the oxide pathway mechanism of the ruthenium dioxide for efficient acidic water oxidation[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2026, 260: 80-87.

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