Indispensable Nafion Ionomer for High-Efficiency and Stable Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media.

Addressing the challenge of sluggish kinetics and limited stability in alkaline oxygen evolution reactions, recent exploration of novel electrochemical catalysts offers improved prospects. To expedite the assessment of these catalysts, a half-cell rotating disk electrode is often favored for its simplicity. However, the actual catalyst performance strongly depends on the fabricated catalyst layers, which encounter mass transport overpotentials. We systematically investigate the role and sequence of electrode drop-casting methods onto a glassy carbon electrode regarding the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction. The catalyst layer without Nafion experiences nearly 50% activity loss post stability test, while those with Nafion exhibit less than 5% activity loss. Additionally, the sequence of application of the catalyst and Nafion also shows a significant effect on catalyst stability. The catalyst activity increases by roughly 20% after the stability test when the catalyst layer is coated first with an ionomer layer, followed by drop-casting the catalysts. Based on the half-cell results, the Nafion ionomer not only acts as a binder in the catalyst layer but also enhances the interfacial interaction between the catalyst and electrolyte, promoting performance and stability. This study provides new insights into the efficient and accurate evaluation of electrocatalyst performance and stability as well as the role of Nafion ionomer in the catalyst layer.

Experimental and Theoretical Insights of Anion Regulation in MOF-Derived Ni-Co-Based Nanosheets for Supercapacitors and Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers.

The anionic components have a significant role in regulating the electrochemical properties of mixed transition-metal (MTM)-based materials. However, the relationship between the anionic components and their inherent electrochemical properties in MTM-based materials is still unclear. Herein, we report the anion-dependent supercapacitive and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties of in situ grown binary Ni-Co-selenide (Se)/sulfide (S)/phosphide (P) nanosheet arrays (NAs) over nickel foam starting from MOF-derived Ni-Co layered double hydroxide precursors. Among them, the Ni-Co-Se NAs exhibited the best specific capacity (289.6 mA h g-1 at 4 mA cm-2). Furthermore, a hybrid device constructed with Ni-Co-Se NAs delivered an excellent energy density (74 W h kg-1 at 525 W kg-1) and an ultra-high power density (10 832 W kg-1 at 46 W h kg-1) with outstanding durability (∼94%) for 10 000 cycles. Meanwhile, the Ni-Co-Se NAs showed superior electrocatalytic OER outputs with the lowest overpotential (235 mV at 10 mA cm-2) and Tafel slope. In addition, Ni-Co-Se NAs outperformed IrO2 as an anode in an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer at a high current density (>1.0 A cm-2) and exhibited a stable performance up to 48 h with a 99% Faraday efficiency. Theoretical analyses validate that the Se promotes OH adsorption and improves the electrochemical activity of the Ni-Co-Se through a strong electronic redistribution/hybridization with an active metal center due to its valence 4p and inner 3d orbital participations. This study will provide in-depth knowledge of bifunctional activities in MTM-based materials with different anionic substitutions.

Interconnected Copper Cobaltite Nanochains as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Water Oxidation in Alkaline Medium.

The present work is focused on the protective-agent-free synthesis of interconnected copper cobaltite (Cu0.3Co2.7O4) nanochains by temperature-controlled solvothermal method followed by post-thermal treatment of the precursors. Furthermore, Cu0.3Co2.7O4 interconnected nanochains are employed as electrocatalyst for water oxidation in alkaline medium for the first time. Extensive studies of physiochemical properties showed the formation of interconnected 1D nanochains of Cu0.3Co2.7O4 exhibiting a larger specific surface area (139.5 m2 g-1) and enhanced electrochemical water oxidation ability. It delivered excellent mass activity (∼50.0 A g-1), high anodic current density (∼124.9 mA cm-2 at 1.75 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode), and turnover frequency (∼4.26 × 10-2 s-1) in 1.0 M KOH. These Cu0.3Co2.7O4 nanochains also demonstrated low overpotential (∼351 mV) and good cycling stability (1000 cycles) in strong alkaline media. The fabricated Cu0.3Co2.7O4 nanochains could be a good alternative to the commercial OER electrocatalysts (RuO2 and IrO2) and also advantageous to the development of efficient, cost-effective, and durable electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting.