Single-Atom Iron Can Steer Atomic Hydrogen toward Selective Reductive Dechlorination: Implications for Remediation of Chlorinated Solvents-Impacted Groundwater.

Atomic hydrogen (H*) is a powerful and versatile reductant and has tremendous potential in the degradation of oxidized pollutants (e.g., chlorinated solvents). However, its application for groundwater remediation is hindered by the scavenging side reaction of H2 evolution. Herein, we report that a composite material (Fe0@Fe-N4-C), consisting of zerovalent iron (Fe0) nanoparticles and nitrogen-coordinated single-atom Fe (Fe-N4), can effectively steer H* toward reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE), a common groundwater contaminant and primary risk driver at many hazardous waste sites. The Fe-N4 structure strengthens the bond between surface Fe atoms and H*, inhibiting H2 evolution. Nonetheless, H* is available for dechlorination, as the adsorption of TCE weakens this bond. Interestingly, H* also enhances electron delocalization and transfer between adsorbed TCE and surface Fe atoms, increasing the reactivity of adsorbed TCE with H*. Consequently, Fe0@Fe-N4-C exhibits high electron selectivity (up to 86%) toward dechlorination, as well as a high TCE degradation kinetic constant. This material is resilient against water matrix interferences, achieving long-lasting performance for effective TCE removal. These findings shed light on the utilization of H* for the in situ remediation of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents, by rational design of earth-abundant metal-based single-atom catalysts.

d-band center engineering of single Cu atom and atomic Ni clusters for enhancing electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO.

The rational design of catalysts with atomic dispersion and a deep understanding of the catalytic mechanism is crucial for achieving high performance in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Herein, we present an atomically dispersed electrocatalyst with single Cu atom and atomic Ni clusters supported on N-doped mesoporous hollow carbon sphere (CuSANiAC/NMHCS) for highly efficient CO2RR. CuSANiAC/NMHCS demonstrates a remarkable CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) exceeding 90% across a potential range of -0.6 to -1.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and achieves its peak FECO of 98% at -0.9 V vs. RHE. Theoretical studies reveal that the electron redistribution and modulated electronic structure-notably the positive shift in d-band center of Ni 3d orbital-resulting from the combination of single Cu atom and atomic Ni clusters markedly enhance the CO2 adsorption, facilitate the formation of *COOH intermediate, and thus promote the CO production activity. This study offers fresh perspectives on fabricating atomically dispersed catalysts with superior CO2RR performance.

Solid-State Synthesis of Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7/C by Ti-Doping with Promoted Structural Reversibility for Long-Cycling Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The cathode material Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) has shown great potential for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its cost-effectiveness, prolonged cycle life, and high theoretical capacity. However, the practical large-scale production of NFPP is hindered by its poor intrinsic electron conductivity and the presence of a NaFePO4 impurity. In this study, we propose a mutually reinforcing approach involving Ti doping, mechanical nano treatment, and in situ carbon coating to produce Ti-NFPP via the solid-state methods of synthesis. Ti doping strengthens the covalent Fe-O interaction, hence accelerating the electron transfer and the redox reactions Fe2+/Fe3+. In situ carbon coating improves electrical conductivity and allows for accommodating the volumetric variation. Nanosized treatment promotes the uniform progression of solid-state reactions. The synthesized Na4Fe2.98Ti0.01(PO4)2P2O7 material (Ti-NFPP) exhibits promising electrochemical properties with an initial discharge specific capacity of 112.5 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C. A volumetric change of only 2.98% was observed during the de/sodiation process, indicating an enhanced reversibility of the crystal lattice. Moreover, it demonstrates exceptional cycling stability with a capacity retention rate of 97.2 mA h g-1 at 10 C over 5000 cycles. These findings offer a promising pathway for the large-scale production of Ti-NFPP in SIBs.

Plasmonic Near-Infrared-Response S-Scheme ZnO/CuInS2 Photocatalyst for H2O2 Production Coupled with Glycerin Oxidation.

Solar fuel synthesis is intriguing because solar energy is abundant and this method compensates for its intermittency. However, most photocatalysts can only absorb UV-to-visible light, while near-infrared (NIR) light remains unexploited. Surprisingly, the charge transfer between ZnO and CuInS2 quantum dots (QDs) can transform a NIR-inactive ZnO into a NIR-active composite. This strong response is attributed to the increased concentration of free charge carriers in the p-type semiconductor at the interface after the charge migration between ZnO and CuInS2, enhancing the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect and the NIR response of CuInS2. As a paradigm, this ZnO/CuInS2 heterojunction is used for H2O2 production coupled with glycerin oxidation and demonstrates supreme performance, corroborating the importance of NIR response and efficient charge transfer. Mechanistic studies through contact potential difference (CPD), Hall effect test, and finite element method (FEM) calculation allow for the direct correlation between the NIR response and charge transfer. This approach bypasses the general light response issues, thereby stepping forward to the ambitious goal of harnessing the entire solar spectrum.

Ultrafast electron transfer at the In2O3/Nb2O5 S-scheme interface for CO2 photoreduction.

Constructing S-scheme heterojunctions proves proficient in achieving the spatial separation of potent photogenerated charge carriers for their participation in photoreactions. Nonetheless, the restricted contact areas between two phases within S-scheme heterostructures lead to inefficient interfacial charge transport, resulting in low photocatalytic efficiency from a kinetic perspective. Here, In2O3/Nb2O5 S-scheme heterojunctions are fabricated through a straightforward one-step electrospinning technique, enabling intimate contact between the two phases and thereby fostering ultrafast interfacial electron transfer (<10 ps), as analyzed via femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. As a result, powerful photo-electrons and holes accumulate in the Nb2O5 conduction band and In2O3 valence band, respectively, exhibiting extended long lifetimes and facilitating their involvement in subsequent photoreactions. Combined with the efficient chemisorption and activation of stable CO2 on the Nb2O5, the resulting In2O3/Nb2O5 hybrid nanofibers demonstrate improved photocatalytic performance for CO2 conversion.

Amino-Induced CO2 Spillover to Boost the Electrochemical Reduction Activity of CdS for CO Production.

A considerable challenge in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to produce high-value-added chemicals comes from the adsorption and activation of CO2 to form intermediates. Herein, an amino-induced spillover strategy aimed at significantly enhancing the CO2 adsorption and activation capabilities of CdS supported on N-doped mesoporous hollow carbon sphere (NH2-CdS/NMHCS) for highly efficient CO2RR is presented. The prepared NH2-CdS/NMHCS exhibits a high CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) exceeding 90% from -0.8 to -1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) with the highest FECO of 95% at -0.9 V versus RHE in H cell. Additional experimental and theoretical investigations demonstrate that the alkaline -NH2 group functions as a potent trapping site, effectively adsorbing the acidic CO2, and subsequently triggering CO2 spillover to CdS. The amino modification-induced CO2 spillover, combined with electron redistribution between CdS and NMHCS, not only readily achieves the spontaneous activation of CO2 to *COOH but also greatly reduces the energy required for the conversion of *COOH to *CO intermediate, thus endowing NH2-CdS/NMHCS with significantly improved reaction kinetics and reduced overpotential for CO2-to-CO conversion. It is believed that this research can provide valuable insights into the development of electrocatalysts with superior CO2 adsorption and activation capabilities for CO2RR application.

Engineering antibonding orbital occupancy of NiMoO4-supported Ru nanoparticles for enhanced chlorine evolution reaction.

Chlorine evolution reaction (CER) is crucial for industrial-scale production of high-purity Cl2. Despite the development of classical dimensionally stable anodes to enhance CER efficiency, the competitive oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a barrier to achieving high Cl2 selectivity. Herein, a binder-free electrode, Ru nanoparticles (NPs)-decorated NiMoO4 nanorod arrays (NRAs) supported on Ti foam (Ru-NiMoO4/Ti), was designed for active CER in saturated NaCl solution (pH = 2). The Ru-NiMoO4/Ti electrode exhibits a low overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA cm-2 current density, a high Cl2 selectivity exceeding 90%, and robust durability for 90h operation. The marked difference in Tafel slopes between CER and OER indicates the high Cl2 selectivity and superior reaction kinetics of Ru-NiMoO4/Ti electrode. Further studies reveal a strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) between Ru and NiMoO4, facilitating electron transfer through the Ru-O bridge bond and increasing the Ru 3d-Cl 2p antibonding orbital occupancy, which eventually results in weakened Ru-Cl bonding, promoted Cl desorption, and enhanced Cl2 evolution. Our findings provide new insights into developing electrodes with enhanced CER performance through antibonding orbital occupancy engineering.

Heterostructured MnSe/FeSe nanorods encapsulated by carbon with enhanced Na+ diffusion as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

The natural abundance of sodium has fostered the development of sodium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage. However, the low capacity of the anodes hinders their future application. Herein, carbon-encapsulated MnSe-FeSe nanorods (MnSe-FeSe@C) have been fabricated by the in-situ transformation from polydopamine-coated MnO(OH)-Fe2O3. The heterostructure constructed by MnSe and FeSe nanocrystals induces the formation of built-in electric fields, accelerating electron transfer and ion diffusion, thereby improving reaction kinetics. In addition, carbon enclosure can buffer the volumetric stress and enhance the electrical conductivity. These aspects cooperatively endow the anode with superior cycling stability and distinguished rate performance. Specifically, the discharge capacity of MnSe-FeSe@C reaches 414.3 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and 388.8 mA h g-1 even at a high current density of 5.0 A g-1. In addition, it still retains a high reversible capacity of 449.2 mA h g-1 after 700 long cycles at 1.0 A g-1. Further, the ab initio calculation has been employed to authenticate the existence of the built-in electric field by Bader charge, indicating that 0.24 electrons in MnSe were transferred to FeSe. The in-situ XRD has been used to evaluate the phase transition during the charging/discharging process, revealing the sodium ion storage mechanism. The construction of heterostructure material paves a new way to design performance-enhanced anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Molecularly Tunable Heterostructured Co-Polymers Containing Electron-Deficient and -Rich Moieties for Visible-Light and Sacrificial-Agent-Free H2O2 Photosynthesis.

As an alternative to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by complex anthraquinone oxidation process, photosynthesis of H2O2 from water and oxygen without sacrificial agents is highly demanded. Herein, a covalently connected molecular heterostructure is synthesized via sequential C-H arylation and Knoevenagel polymerization reactions for visible-light and sacrificial-agent-free H2O2 synthesis. The subsequent copolymerization of the electron-deficient benzodithiophene-4,8-dione (BTD) and the electron-rich biphenyl (B) and p-phenylenediacetonitrile (CN) not only expands the π-conjugated domain but also increases the molecular dipole moment, which largely promotes the separation and transfer of the photoinduced charge carriers. The optimal heterostructured BTDB-CN0.2 manifested an impressive photocatalytic H2O2 production rate of 1920 µmol g-1 h-1, which is 2.2 and 11.6 times that of BTDB and BTDCN. As revealed by the femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) and theoretical calculations, the linkage serves as a channel for the rapid transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency. Further, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) uncovers that the oxygen reduction reaction occurs through the step one-electron pathway and the mutual conversion between C=O and C-OH with the anchoring of H+ during the catalysis favored the formation of H2O2. This work provides a novel perspective for the design of efficient organic photocatalysts.

Three-dimensional Ni foam supported Pt/NiFe LDH catalyst with enhanced oxygen activation for room-temperature formaldehyde oxidation.

Room-temperature catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde (HCHO) has been extensively investigated due to its high efficiency, convenience, and environmental friendliness. Herein, nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) nanosheets were synthesized in-situ on a nickel foil (NF) using a facile one-step hydrothermal method, followed by the deposition of ultra-low content (0.069 wt%) of Pt nanoparticles through NaBH4 reduction. The resulting three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical Pt/NiFe-NF catalyst exhibited exceptional activity for the complete decomposition of formaldehyde to carbon dioxide (CO2) at room temperature (∼95 % conversion within 1 h), as well as remarkable cycling stability. The 3D porous structure of Pt/NiFe-NF provides fast transport channels for the diffusion of gas molecules, making the active catalyst surfaces more accessible. Moreover, abundant hydroxyl groups in NiFe LDH serve as adsorption centers for HCHO molecules to form dioxymethylene (DOM) and formate intermediates. Furthermore, electronic interactions between NiFe LDH and Pt enhance the adsorption and activation of O2 on Pt surfaces, leading to the complete decomposition of intermediates into non-toxic products. This work presents new insights into the design and preparation of Pt-based 3D hierarchical catalysts with surface-rich hydroxyl groups for the efficient removal of indoor HCHO.

Enhancing photocatalytic H2O2 production with Au co-catalysts through electronic structure modification.

Gold-based co-catalysts are a promising class of materials with potential applications in photocatalytic H2O2 production. However, current approaches with Au co-catalysts show limited H2O2 production due to intrinsically weak O2 adsorption at the Au site. We report an approach to strengthen O2 adsorption at Au sites, and to improve H2O2 production, through the formation of electron-deficient Auδ+ sites by modifying the electronic structure. In this case, we report the synthesis of TiO2/MoSx-Au, following selective deposition of Au onto a MoSx surface which is then further anchored onto TiO2. We further show that the catalyst achieves a significantly increased H2O2 production rate of 30.44 mmol g-1 h-1 in O2-saturated solution containing ethanol. Density functional theory calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveal that the MoSx mediator induces the formation of electron-deficient Auδ+ sites thereby decreasing the antibonding-orbital occupancy of Au-Oads and subsequently enhancing O2 adsorption. This strategy may be useful for rationally designing the electronic structure of catalyst surfaces to facilitate artificial photosynthesis.

D-A Conjugated Polymer/CdS S-Scheme Heterojunction with Enhanced Interfacial Charge Transfer for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation.

Owing to the improved charge separation and maximized redox capability of the system, Step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunctions have garnered significant research attention for efficient photocatalysis of H2 evolution. In this work, an innovative linear donor-acceptor (D-A) conjugated polymer fluorene-alt-(benzo-thiophene-dione) (PFBTD) is coupled with the CdS nanosheets, forming the organic-inorganic S-scheme heterojunction. The CdS/PFBTD (CP) composite exhibits an impressed hydrogen production rate of 7.62 mmol g-1  h-1 without any co-catalysts, which is ≈14 times higher than pristine CdS. It is revealed that the outstanding photocatalytic performance is attributed to the formation of rapid electron transfer channels through the interfacial Cd─O bonding as evidenced by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The charge transfer mechanism involved in S-scheme heterojunctions is further investigated through the photo-irradiated Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) analysis. This work provides a new point of view on the mechanism of interfacial charge transfer and points out the direction of designing superior organic-inorganic S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts.

COF/In2S3 S-Scheme Photocatalyst with Enhanced Light Absorption and H2O2-Production Activity and fs-TA Investigation.

Photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis from water and O2 is an economical, eco-friendly, and sustainable route for H2O2 production. However, single-component photocatalysts are subjected to limited light-harvesting range, fast carrier recombination, and weak redox power. To promote photogenerated carrier separation and enhance redox abilities, an organic/inorganic S-scheme photocatalyst is fabricated by in situ growing In2S3 nanosheets on a covalent organic framwork (COF) substrate for efficient H2O2 production in pure water. Interestingly, compared to unitary COF and In2S3, the COF/In2S3 S-scheme photocatalysts exhibit significantly larger light-harvesting range and stronger visible-light absorption. Partial density of state calculation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy reveal that the coordination between In2S3 and COF induces the formation of mid-gap hybrid energy levels, leading to smaller energy gaps and broadened absorption. Combining electron spin resonance spectroscopy, radical-trapping experiments, and isotope labeling experiments, three pathways for H2O2 formation are identified. Benefited from expanded light-absorption range, enhanced carrier separation, strong redox power, and multichannel H2O2 formation, the optimal composite shows an impressive H2O2-production rate of 5713.2 µmol g-1 h-1 in pure water. This work exemplifies an effective strategy to ameliorate COF-based photocatalysts by building S-scheme heterojunctions and provides molecular-level insights into their impact on energy level modulation.

In-situ formatting donor-acceptor polymer with giant dipole moment and ultrafast exciton separation.

Donor-acceptor semiconducting polymers present countless opportunities for application in photocatalysis. Previous studies have showcased their advantages through direct bottom-up methods. Unfortunately, these approaches often involve harsh reaction conditions, overlooking the impact of uncontrolled polymerization degrees on photocatalysis. Besides, the mechanism behind the separation of electron-hole pairs (excitons) in donor-acceptor polymers remains elusive. This study presents a post-synthetic method involving the light-induced transformation of the building blocks of hyper-cross-linked polymers from donor-carbon-donor to donor-carbon-acceptor states, resulting in a polymer with a substantial intramolecular dipole moment. Thus, excitons are efficiently separated in the transformed polymer. The utility of this strategy is exemplified by the enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide synthesis. Encouragingly, our observations reveal the formation of intramolecular charge transfer states using time-resolved techniques, confirming transient exciton behavior involving separation and relaxation. This light-induced method not only guides the development of highly efficient donor-acceptor polymer photocatalysts but also applies to various fields, including organic solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and sensors.

Facile synthesis of NiCoSe2@carbon anode for high-performance sodium-ion batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries offer significant advantages in terms of low-temperature performance and safety. In this study, we present a straightforward synthetic approach to produce bimetallic selenide NiCoSe2 nanoparticles grown on a three-dimensional porous carbon framework for application as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries. This unique architecture enhances reaction kinetics and structural stability. The three-dimensional interconnected porous carbon network establishes a continuous pathway of electronic conductive, while increasing specific surface area and mitigating volume expansion. Consequently, these features expedite ion transfer and enhance electrolyte interaction. Notably, compared to CoSe, NiCoSe2 exhibits reduced ion transport distances and lower sodium diffusion barriers. Leveraging these attributes, NiCoSe2/N, Se co-doped carbon composite materials (NiCoSe2/NSC) demonstrate a high specific capacity of 320.8 mAh/g, even after 1000 cycles at 5.0 A/g, with a capacity retention rate of 85.1%. The study further delves into the revelation of the reaction mechanism and ion transport pathway through in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and theoretical calculations. The development of these anode materials is poised to pave the way for advancements in sodium-ion battery technology.

Triethanolamine-modified layered double oxide for efficient CO2 capture with low regeneration energy.

Various adsorbents for CO2 capture have been developed to mitigate the greenhouse effect. In this work, a novel CO2 adsorbent was fabricated by depositing triethanolamine (TEOA) onto the surface of nickel-cobalt-aluminum layered double oxide (NiCoAl-LDO) via the impregnation method. The CO2 capacity of the TEOA-LDO composite reached 1.27 mmol/g at 0 °C and 100 kPa, which was twice that of unmodified NiCoAl-LDO. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed that the hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the surface of NiCoAl-LDO played a significant role in facilitating CO2 adsorption, similar to CO2 adsorption in the presence of H2O, where CO2 is not converted to carbamates but to bicarbonates through base-catalyzed hydration. This bicarbonate pathway doubles the theoretical amine efficiency, increases the CO2 capacity, and reduces the energy consumption during CO2 desorption. The work provides valuable insights into the development of CO2 adsorbents with high capacity, excellent cycling stability, and low regeneration energy.

Construction of 2D S-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalyst.

Semiconductor photocatalytic technology holds immense promise for converting sustainable solar energy into chemically storable energy, with significant applications in the realms of energy and the environment. However, the inherent issue of rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes hinders the performance of single photocatalysts. To overcome this challenge, the construction of 2D S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts emerges as an effective strategy. The deliberate design of dimensionality ensures a substantial interfacial area; while, the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism facilitates efficient charge separation and maximizes redox capabilities. This review commences with a fresh perspective on the charge transfer mechanism in S-scheme heterojunctions, followed by a comprehensive exploration of preparation methods and characterization techniques. Subsequently, the recent advancements in 2D S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts are summarized. Notably, the mechanism behind activity enhancement is elucidated. Finally, the prospects for the development of 2D S-scheme photocatalysts are presented.

Artificial Photosynthetic System with Spatial Dual Reduction Site Enabling Enhanced Solar Hydrogen Production.

Although S-scheme artificial photosynthesis shows promise for photocatalytic hydrogen production, traditional methods often overly concentrate on a single reduction site. This limitation results in inadequate redox capability and inefficient charge separation, which hampers the efficiency of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. To overcome this limitation, a double S-scheme system is proposed that leverages dual reduction sites, thereby preserving energetic photo-electrons and holes to enhance apparent quantum efficiency. The design features a double S-scheme junction consisting of CdS nanospheres decorated with anatase TiO2 nanoparticles coupled with graphitic C3 N4 . The as-prepared catalyst exhibits a hydrogen evolution rate of 26.84 mmol g-1  h-1 and an apparent quantum efficiency of 40.2% at 365 nm. This enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is ascribed to the efficient charge separation and transport induced by the double S-scheme. Both theoretical calculations and comprehensive spectroscopy tests (both in situ and ex situ) affirm the efficient charge transport across the catalyst interface. Moreover, substituting the reduction-type catalyst CdS with other similar sulfides like ZnIn2 S4 , ZnS, MoS2 and In2 S3 further confirms the feasibility of the proposed double S-scheme configuration. The findings provide a pathway to designing more effective double S-scheme artificial photosynthetic systems, opening up fresh perspectives in enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance.

Enhanced Solar Fuel Production over In2 O3 @Co2 VO4 Hierarchical Nanofibers with S-Scheme Charge Separation Mechanism.

The conversion of CO2 into valuable solar fuels via photocatalysis is a promising strategy for addressing energy shortages and environmental crises. Here, novel In2 O3 @Co2 VO4 hierarchical heterostructures are fabricated by in situ growing Co2 VO4 nanorods onto In2 O3 nanofibers. First-principle calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements reveal the electron transfer between In2 O3 and Co2 VO4 driven by the difference in work functions, thus creating an interfacial electric field and bending the bands at the interfaces. In this case, the photogenerated electrons in In2 O3 transport to Co2 VO4 and recombine with its holes, indicating the formation of In2 O3 @Co2 VO4 S-scheme heterojunctions and resulting in effective separation of charge carriers, as confirmed by in situ irradiation XPS. The unique S-scheme mechanism, along with the enhanced optical absorption and the lower Gibbs free energy change for the production of * CHO, significantly contributes to the efficient CO2 photoreduction into CO and CH4 in the absence of any molecule cocatalyst or scavenger. Density functional theory simulation and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy are employed to elucidate the reaction mechanism in detail.

Enhancing Ru-Cl interaction via orbital hybridization effect in Ru0.4Sn0.3Ti0.3 electrode for efficient chlorine evolution.

Chlorine evolution reaction (CER) is a commercially valuable electrochemical reaction used at an industrial scale. However, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during the electrolysis process inevitably leads to the decreased efficiency of CER. It is necessary to improve the selectivity of CER by minimizing or even eliminating the occurrence of OER. Herein, a ternary metal oxide (Ru0.4Sn0.3Ti0.3) electrode was fabricated and employed as an active and robust anode for CER. The Ru0.4Sn0.3Ti0.3 electrode exhibits an excellent CER performance in 6.0 M NaCl solution, with a low potential of 1.17 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode, SCE) at 200 mA cm-2 current density, a high Cl2 selectivity of over 90 %, and robust durability after consecutive operation for 160 h under 100 mA cm-2. The maximum O2-Cl2 potential difference between OER and CER further demonstrates the high Cl2 selectivity of Ru0.4Sn0.3Ti0.3 electrode. Theoretical studies show that the strong Ru 3d-Ti 3d orbitals hybridization effect makes the d-band center (εd) of Ru 3d and Ti 3d orbitals positively and negatively shifted, respectively, endowing Ru site with enhanced Cl adsorption ability (i.e. enhanced Ru-Cl interaction) and Ru0.4Sn0.3Ti0.3 electrode with superior CER activity. This work offers valuable insights into the development of advanced electrodes for CER in practical application.