Electronic Interaction between In Situ Formed RuO Clusters and a Nanoporous ZnVO Support and Its Use in the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The catalytic activity and durability of RuO clusters toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are strongly associated with their support; however, how the electronic interaction would enhance the catalytic performance is still not quite clear. Herein, hierarchical nanoporous and single-crystal ZnVO nanosheets are adopted to anchor in situ formed RuO clusters. X-ray photoelectron analysis reveals significant binding energy changes of both Ru and V due to the creation of strong Ru-O-V bonding interaction, which would lead to the reconstruction of the electronic structure of the ZnVO matrix and RuO clusters. The ultrastrong electronic interaction also results in superior OER activity, indicated by a small overpotential at 10 mA cm (228 mV) and a shallow Tafel slope of 46 mV dec. First-principles simulation further reveals the synergistic effect derived from the unique RuO@ZnVO couple, which effectively regulates the electronic structure for the OER process. In addition, the created interfacial chemical bond and the confined microporous structure of the ZnVO substrate could prevent the RuO clusters from detachment and aggregation, making the nanocomposite a promising long-term stable OER electrocatalyst.