Trace amounts of Ru-doped Ni–Fe oxide bone-like structures via single-step anodization: a flexible and bifunctional electrode for efficient overall water splitting

Herein, we present a simple and innovative method for preparing Ni–Fe oxide doped with trace amounts of Ru on a stainless steel 304 substrate by single-step anodization. The procedure yields a highly efficient, durable, and flexible bifunctional catalyst for water splitting. The material exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic performance with high stability in both the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, owing to the enhanced activity resulting from the incorporation of a small amount of Ru into anodic Ni–Fe oxide and a change in morphology that facilitates mass transfer. A stable cell voltage of 1.83 V is achieved at a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in a symmetric electrolyzer composed of flexible Ru-doped Ni–Fe oxide electrodes that can be formed into various shapes. The applicability of bifunctional electrodes of various shapes is demonstrated by their excellent stability for 100 h.