Rapid and large-scale synthesis of ultra-small immiscible alloy supported catalysts

It is an insurmountable challenge to synthesize carrier-supported ultra-small immiscible alloy catalyst with simple one-step method today. Here, we creatively report the first preparation of immiscible Ru-based alloys (RuRE-rGO NPs, RE=Gd, Er, Yb, La) with ~5 nm by solvent-free microwave reduction. Additionally, in alkaline electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), RuGd-rGO NPs performed admirable (η = 12 mV at 10 mA cm−2, TOF=30.6 H2 s−1 at 0.1 V), which also can be stable for 500 h even if it provides industry-related current density of 500 mA cm−2. Density functional theory further indicates that from initial to final state of the reaction, RuGd-rGO NPs have large exothermic energy (−1.34 eV), while the dissociation energy barrier of H2O is relatively low, causing the most likely occurrence of HER. This work provides sufficient space for the synthesis of ultra-small immiscible nano-alloy supported catalysts. The general-purpose ultra-small incompatible alloy RuRE-rGO NPs supported by carrier are synthesized by a one-step microwave reduction method with high yield and large-scale preparation, environmentally friendly, economical and low energy consumption, and exhibits excellent industrial-grade alkaline hydrogen evolution performance. [Display omitted] •The first synthesis of carrier-supported super-small incompatible alloy RuRE-rGO.•Solvent-free microwave reduction is simple, large-scale and environmentally friendly.•RuRE-rGO NPs have excellent electrocatalytic performance in alkaline HER.