Au Promoted Nickel-Iron Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoarrays: A Modular Catalyst Enabling High-Performance Oxygen...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for energy storage and conversion technologies like water electrolysis and metal-air batteries.
• Slow OER kinetics currently hinder the efficiency and widespread adoption of these technologies.
• Developing efficient electrocatalysts is essential to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly active and durable electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
• To investigate the synergistic effects of combining Nickel Iron Layered Double Hydroxide (NiFe LDH) with Gold (Au) nanoparticles for OER catalysis.
• To fabricate a modular electrode architecture for enhanced OER performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of NiFe LDH@Au hybrid nanoarrays on a nickel foam substrate.
• Electrochemical characterization of the hybrid nanoarrays using techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
• Evaluation of catalytic activity and durability in a 30 wt% KOH alkaline electrolyte.

Main Results:

• The NiFe LDH@Au hybrid nanoarrays demonstrated significantly enhanced OER catalytic activity.
• Ultrahigh performance was achieved with low overpotentials of 221, 235, and 270 mV at current densities of 50, 100, and 500 mA cm⁻², respectively.
• The hybrid electrode exhibited superior catalytic activity and excellent long-term durability in a harsh alkaline environment.

Conclusions:

• The hybridization of NiFe LDH with Au nanoparticles creates a synergistic effect, boosting OER performance.
• The NiFe LDH@Au hybrid nanoarrays represent a promising electrocatalyst for efficient and robust OER in energy conversion and storage applications.
• This modular electrode design offers a viable pathway for advancing technologies reliant on the oxygen evolution reaction.