Ru-modified silicon nanowires as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.

Ruthenium nanoparticles modified on silicon nanowires (Ru/SiNWs) were prepared by directly reducing Ru ions with Si–H bonds. The composites with different contents of Ru (denoted as Ru/SiNW-x, x means the relative molar ratio of Ru to SiNW) were evaluated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Ru/SiNW-42.9 showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen-free 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 medium. The Tafel slope of Ru/SiNW-42.9 was 81 mV/decade, indicating that its catalytic effect was even better than pure Ru particles. SiNWs modified with proper content of Ru may be a promising electrocatalyst for HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]