Citation: Danhua Jiao, Tianxue Li, Qi Li, Xiaodong Cai, Qian Liao, Hua Zhou, Ying Li, Qian Zheng, Weiwei Xu, Qizhao Wang. Push-pull electronic engineering induced Ru-Ni₂P/FeCo₂O₄ bifunctional electrocatalyst with multiple electron transport channel for efficient water splitting[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(12): 112703. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2026.112703 shu

Push-pull electronic engineering induced Ru-Ni₂P/FeCo₂O₄ bifunctional electrocatalyst with multiple electron transport channel for efficient water splitting

Danhua Jiao ^{a, 1} ,
Tianxue Li ^{b, 1} ,
Qi Li ^b ,
Xiaodong Cai ^{c, *,} ,
Qian Liao ^c ,
Hua Zhou ^d ,
Ying Li ^a ,
Qian Zheng ^e ,
Weiwei Xu ^{b, *,} ,
Qizhao Wang ^{f, *,}

a.
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
b.
School of Physics and Mechatronic Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
c.
School of Chemical Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
d.
State Key Laboratory for Comprehensive Utilization of Nickel and Cobalt Resources, Jinchang 737100, China
e.
Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
f.
School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China

caixiaodong@gzmu.edu.cn

xuweiwei@alu.cqu.edu.cn

wangqizhao@163.com

Received Date: 27 November 2025
Revised Date: 28 February 2026
Accepted Date: 31 March 2026
Available Online: 1 April 2026

Figures(7)

Green hydrogen energy is highly desired but is constrained by sluggish reaction kinetics and the low efficiency of active sites. This study presented a synergistic enhancement of efficient electron transportation and push-pull charge modulation in the electrocatalytic water splitting system Ru-Ni₂P/FeCo₂O₄ (Ni₂P/FCO) by rationally optimizing the charge environment of active sites. Experimental findings exhibited satisfactory overpotentials of 16 mV and 41 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1 mol/L KOH and seawater environments, respectively, to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm². Exceptional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and overall water splitting performance (with an overpotential of 1.74 V at 100 mA/cm²) were also demonstrated. In addition, the Ru-Ni₂P/FCO system showed comparable durability during 50 h. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations explained the reason for the improved activity: The metallic alteration of Ni₂P/FCO, along with the established steady built-in electric field at the interface, accelerated charge transportation and improved the adsorption-desorption dynamics during HER/OER procedures. The push-electron activity of Ni₂P and the pull-charge capability of Ru promoted the charge accumulation at reactive sites, thereby decreasing the energy barriers for both HER and OER intermediates. This study provides novel insights into the development of effective electron-transfer routes and the enhancement of catalysts’ intrinsic activity.
- Water splitting,
- Electronic engineering,
- Charge transportation,
- Reactive dynamics,
- DFT analysis
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沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142

Push-pull electronic engineering induced Ru-Ni2P/FeCo2O4 bifunctional electrocatalyst with multiple electron transport channel for efficient water splitting

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通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

Push-pull electronic engineering induced Ru-Ni₂P/FeCo₂O₄ bifunctional electrocatalyst with multiple electron transport channel for efficient water splitting