Enhancing Oxygen Evolution Catalysis by Tuning the Electronic Structure of NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides Through Selenization
Electrocatalytic water splitting is a critical approach for achieving carbon neutrality, playing an essential role in clean energy conversion. However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a major bottleneck hindering energy conversion efficiency. Although noble metal cat...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Nanomaterials |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/4/294 |
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| Summary: | Electrocatalytic water splitting is a critical approach for achieving carbon neutrality, playing an essential role in clean energy conversion. However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a major bottleneck hindering energy conversion efficiency. Although noble metal catalysts (e.g., IrO<sub>2</sub> and RuO<sub>2</sub>) show excellent catalytic activity, their high cost and scarcity limit their applicability in large-scale industrial processes. In this study, we introduce a novel electrocatalyst based on selenized NiFe-layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDHs), synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method. Its key innovation lies in the selenization process, during which Ni atoms lose electrons to form selenides, while selenium (Se) gains electrons. This leads to a significant increase in the concentration of high-valent metal ions, enhances electronic mobility, and improves the structural stability of the catalyst through the formation of Ni-Se bonds. Experimental results show that selenized NiFe-LDHs exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance in 1 M KOH alkaline solution. In the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the catalyst achieved an ultra-low overpotential of 286 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻<sup>2</sup>, with a Tafel slope of 63.6 mV dec⁻<sup>1</sup>. After 60 h of continuous testing, the catalyst showed almost no degradation, far outperforming conventional catalysts. These results highlight the potential of NiFe-LDH@selenized catalysts in large-scale industrial water electrolysis applications, providing an effective solution for efficient and sustainable clean energy production. |
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| ISSN: | 2079-4991 |