P-Doping Modulated RuIr Nanoparticles Anchored on Co/N/C Catalysts with Improved Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Activity and Stability

Achieving efficient and stable hydrogen evolution reactions in alkaline conditions is crucial for hydrogen production. In this study, a RuIr/Co_(SA) NC-P catalyst featuring RuIr alloys alongside P-doping and CoNx sites is developed. RuIr alloying optimizes the electronic structure between Ru and Ir, promoting electron transfer from Ru to Ir. P-doping further modulates the electronic properties of RuIr alloys, optimizing hydrogen binding energy and weakening Ru─OH binding energy, facilitating rapid H₂ generation and OH_ad transfer. Meanwhile, CoNx promotes water dissociation, providing a fast proton delivery path for RuIr alloys. The catalyst exhibits enhanced HER activity with a low overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA cm⁻², a Tafel slope of 20.4 mV dec⁻¹, and a turnover frequency of 19.5 H₂ s⁻¹ at 150 mV overpotential. Moreover, catalyst stability is improved 8 times by mitigating RuIr alloy dissolution/agglomeration via P-doping. This work introduces a promising approach for developing efficient and stable HER electrocatalysts.