TiC-Supported ruthenium nanoparticles as an efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction

The indiscreet use of fossil fuels has led to environmental pollution. To mitigate this, it is expected that the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can be performed at the cathode of electrolytic cells in energy conversion devices and eco-friendly renewable energy sources. Owing to the sluggish kinetics of the HER, the design and development of cost-effective, long term, highly stable, and efficient alternative electrocatalysts are crucial for their practical application. Herein, ruthenium (Ru) particles loaded titanium carbide (Ru/TiC) are successfully prepared through a simple reduction method. We employ experimental approaches to investigate the stability and electrocatalytic activity of Ru as a transition metal atom on a TiC support. The as-synthesized catalyst is characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Ru/TiC electrocatalyst exhibits HER activity with low overpotentials, fast reaction kinetics and high stability in alkaline and acidic medium. The remarkable electrocatalytic activity of Ru/TiC will promote interest in the futuristic development of cost-effective nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications.