Ruthenium modulated Ni-Co pyrophosphate architectures enabling accelerated oxygen evolution in anion exchange membrane electrolyzer
Materials Today Sustainability, vol.35, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 35
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2026.101380
- Journal Name: Materials Today Sustainability
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Keywords: AEM water electrolysis, Nickel-cobalt pyrophosphate, Oxygen evolution reaction, Ruthenium
- Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The development of efficient and durable electrocatalysts remains crucial for sustainable production of hydrogen via water electrolysis. Herein, we report a ruthenium-modified nickel-cobalt pyrophosphate [(NiCo)(P2O7)] catalyst (Ru-NCP) as a class leading oxygen evolution electrode under alkaline conditions and its application in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). The NiCo2O4 precursor was transformed into a pyrophosphate framework through phosphidation, followed by Ru deposition and thermal reduction under Ar/H2. Structural analyses (XRD, Raman, TEM, XPS) confirmed the formation of the (NiCo)(P2O7) lattice and Ru-induced modulation of metal oxidation states. Electrochemical studies revealed an overpotential of 1.567 V at 100 mA cm−2 and stable operation at 400 mA cm−2 for 24 h in 1.0 M KOH. Integrated into an AEMWE, Ru-NCP achieved 1.6 A cm−2 at 4.5 V with extended durability. The superior performance arises from Ru-mediated electronic reconfiguration and enhanced active site accessibility within the pyrophosphate matrix.