Synergistic effects boosting hydrogen evolution performance of transition metal oxides at ultralow Ru loading levels

In this study, ultralow ruthenium nanoparticles on the nickel molybdate nanorods grown on nickel foam (Ru–NiMoO(4)–NF) were synthesized. The Ru–NiMoO(4)–NF exhibited outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction performances in alkaline with overpotential of 52 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm(−2). And, it maintains excellent stability for 20 h at the current density of 20 mA cm(−2). The mass activity of Ru–NiMoO(4)–NF is 0.21 A mg(Ru)(−1), which is higher than that of Pt/C. Lots of exposed heterojunction interfaces and synergistic effects between Ru nanoparticles and NiMoO(4) nanorods were regarded as the reasons for excellent performance. This work provides an innovative route for developing low-cost catalysts based on the transition metal oxides and trace precious metal with unique heterostructures for hydrogen production through water splitting.