Catalyst for solar-driven electrocatalytic overall water splitting and methods of making and using thereof

Abstract

Electrocatalytic overall water splitting to generate hydrogen and oxygen is a green and sustainable approach with zero carbon emission, which is important for the future renewable energy landscape. The practical application of this approach is challenging due to the sluggish reaction kinetics of water activation at high current densities, which are hard to overcome. Although high-performance alkaline bifunctional electrocatalysts may be useful, current catalysts lack both activity and durability. One approach is to rationally design bifunctional two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures but obtaining an efficient and durable catalyst has proved difficult. The present disclosure relates generally to an electrocatalyst including a 2D heterostructure (Ru-CMOP), methods of making and using the same. The catalyst of the present disclosure is designed for high activity and good durability at industrial-level high current densities.