Performance enhancement for direct borohydride fuel cells through ternary Ru–Co–B oxide catalyst.

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is used to prepare ternary heterostructured Ru–Co–B oxide catalyst with considerable RuO 2 /CoO/B 20 H 26 O interface and oxygen vacancy (Ov) for enhanced borohydride oxidation reaction. the Ru–Co–B catalyst displayed remarkable electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability Due to the difference in energy band structure at the interface where the charge distribution is not homogeneous, the heterogeneous structure will spontaneously generate a built-in electric field which prompts the interfacial charge transfer. The production of Ov increases its active site and promotes its catalytic activity. While it is used in membrane-less direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs), it showed a peak power density of 206 mW cm−2 at room temperature and a remarkable stability of 270 h at a constant current of 20 mA that is superior to commercial Pt/C. [Display omitted] • Heterogeneous catalysts with abundant oxygen vacancies were synthesized by plasma technology. • The use of ruthenium instead of platinum reduces the cost of the fuel cells. • The power density can reach 206 mW cm−2, the stability is greatly improved. • The preparation process does not need high temperature treatment, achieving green color, low energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]