Fully Exposed Confined Pt‐Ru Sites in Gas‑Liquid Separation Channels Synergistically Boost Multi‐Scenario Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

ABSTRACT

The development of highly efficient and stable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts is crucial for the large‐scale production of clean hydrogen energy. Herein, PtRu composite nanomaterials confined to TiO ₂ nanotube arrays were prepared by anodic oxidation‐hydrothermal method, which integrated multifunctional active sites such as single‐atom Pt, single‐atom Ru, Pt clusters; Through synergistic effects, the material maintains remarkable HER activity with very low noble‐metal loadings, and significantly surpasses commercial Pt/C and PtRu/C catalysts in diverse applications. In situ infrared and Raman spectroscopy observed the interfacial adsorption of H ₂ O and [H] formation on Pt/Ru sites, unveiling their co‑participation, while DFT calculations further clarified the synergy of multiple active sites in H ₂ O adsorption, activation, dissociation, and [H] production. Meanwhile, by creating a state of enrichment in the hollow tubes and wall pores, the hollow structure promotes the active sites exposure and confined metal sites, while the abundant pores on the nanotube walls provide dynamic fluid channels for the timely release of hydrogen, forming gas‐liquid separation channels with the electrolyte and promoting matter exchange. This study combines surface‑rich supports and multi‑functional sites to boost noble metal utilization, and establishes gas‑liquid separation channels to promotes matter exchange, offering a strategy for ultra‑low noble metal HER electrocatalysts.