Dechao Chen, Tianyu Gao, Zengxi Wei, Mengjia Wang, Yingfei Ma, Dongdong Xiao,*Changsheng Cao, Cheng-You Lee, Pan Liu, Dengchao Wang, Shuangliang Zhao, Hsiao-Tsu Wang,* and Lili Han* (*Corresponding Author), Adv. Mater. 2024, 2410537

Full Article:https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202410537

This Advanced Materials article, a top journal in the materials science field, details the use of a two-dimensional (2D) WS₂ superlattice to support gold (Au) nanoclusters and ruthenium (Ru) single atoms. This novel approach significantly boosts the efficiency of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER).

The core finding of this research is the successful distribution of Au nanoclusters and Ru single atoms within a WS₂ bilayer superlattice, creating a stable, porous structure. This architecture optimizes charge distribution through Electronic Metal–Support Interaction (EMSI) between the metal atoms and the support material. This optimization effectively lowers the energy barrier for water adsorption, thereby promoting H₂ generation.

Synchrotron X-ray techniques played an indispensable role in this study, providing precise in-situ observation capabilities. These allowed for real-time tracking of changes in the atomic environment and charge transfer of Au and Ru during the HER catalytic reaction, enabling investigation into the dynamic behavior of these metal atoms under various reaction conditions.

Through in-situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), the research team observed a gradual reduction of Ru from a higher oxidation state during the HER process, indicating its effective promotion of water molecule dissociation in the reaction. Furthermore, the oxidation state of Au atoms also changed during the reaction, continuously supplying electrons to stabilize the active sites of Ru and prevent their deactivation during catalysis.

These detailed insights, crucial for understanding the mechanism behind this cutting-edge, high-efficiency catalytic HER with 2D materials, were only possible through advanced synchrotron in-situ XAS.