Structure and electro-catalytic properties of electrode materials consisting of Pt nanorod decorated/RuO2 nanorod coated substrates

Nanorod coated materials have the potential of being exceptional electro-catalysts. In this investigation Pt nanorod decorated ruthenium dioxide square nanorods have been grown on aluminized Si substrates and used as the cathode in a system to electrolyze a [2M] aqueous solution of KOH. Gaseous hydrogen was produced at the cathode. The voltage measured at the cathode relative to the solution, and that across both electrodes was found to be dependent on the cathode material used. At a current density of 30 mA/cm2, the potential drop from the cathode electrode to the liquid electrolyte was measured to be −0.72 V for a solid Pt electrode and −0.69 V for the best Pt nanorod coated electrode.

► Pt decorated RuO2 nanorods as catalysts for electrolysis. ► Discussion on Pt incorporation into RuO2 nanorods. ► Enhanced catalytic performance for hydrogen production.