A Superior and Stable Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction by One-Dimensional FeCoP Colloidal Nanostructures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
• Their stability, conductivity, and ability to form active oxy-hydroxide species contribute to their catalytic potential.
• Non-noble metal catalysts are sought after for cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, high-performance electrocatalyst for OER.
• To investigate the structure-activity relationship of a rod-shaped FeCoP electrocatalyst.
• To understand the mechanism behind the enhanced OER performance.

Main Methods:

• A "one-pot" colloidal synthesis approach was used to create rod-shaped FeCoP electrocatalysts.
• Electrochemical performance was evaluated using techniques like cyclic voltammetry.
• Material characterization included X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The FeCoP electrocatalyst demonstrated excellent OER activity with a current density of 950 mA cm^-2 and a low Tafel slope of 54 mV dec^-1.
• Ultralow OER overpotentials of 230 and 260 mV were achieved at 50 and 100 mA cm^-2, respectively.
• Superior catalytic stability was observed over 10,000 cycles and 60 hours at 50 mA cm^-2.

Conclusions:

• The developed FeCoP nanorods are highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for OER.
• The enhanced performance is attributed to a high number of active sites facilitating in situ surface formation and adsorption of reactive species.
• This work highlights the potential of non-noble metal TMPs for efficient oxygen evolution catalysis.