Block Copolymer Mediated Synthesis of TiO₂/RuO₂ Nanocomposite for Efficient Hydrogen and Oxygen Generation

<b>Abstract:</b> Ruthenium oxide (RuO₂) is one of the most effective electrocatalysts reported for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) but still has insufficient stability for practical water splitting. To solve this problem, herein we report the fabrication of TiO₂/RuO₂ nanocomposite by sol-gel method. An amphiphilic block copolymer, poly (styrene-polyvinyl pyridine-ethylene oxide) was used as structure directing and stabilizing agent. The strong interaction of polymer with metal precursors led to the formation of a heterointerface for synergetic effect and acts as a bridge for the electron transport which can accelerate the water splitting reaction. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis of prepared TiO₂/RuO₂ sample revealed successful fabrication of TiO₂/RuO₂ nanocomposite. The electrochemical water splitting properties of prepared sample were measured by three electrode system in 0.1M KOH electrolyte which showed improved electrochemical properties of prepared sample.<br/><br/><br/><br/><i>This work was primarily supported by a DOE EFRC on The Center for Electrochemical Dynamics And Reactions on Surfaces (CEDARS) via grant # DE-SC0023415.</i>