Chromium-Modified Ultrathin CoFe LDH as High-Efficiency Electrode for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for energy conversion and storage, enabling sustainable hydrogen production.
• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) show potential for electrochemical water oxidation but have limitations in HER performance due to structural constraints.
• Developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts for HER is essential for a hydrogen economy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and scalable method for synthesizing chromium-doped cobalt-iron layered double hydroxide (CoFeCr LDH) catalysts.
• To investigate the enhanced HER properties of the ternary CoFeCr-based LDH.
• To explore the potential of polymetallic electronic modulation for improving LDH electrocatalytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of chromium-doped CoFe LDH (CoFeCr LDH) using a scalable tactic.
• Electrochemical characterization of the CoFeCr LDH catalyst in an alkaline electrolyte.
• Analysis of catalyst structure, including oxygen vacancy, electronic structure, and hierarchical architecture.

Main Results:

• The synthesized CoFeCr LDH catalyst exhibits an interconnected array hierarchical structure with oxygen vacancies and an optimized electronic structure.
• Achieved a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² at -0.201 V vs. RHE.
• Demonstrated superior long-term stability in alkaline electrolyte for the HER.

Conclusions:

• The developed ternary CoFeCr-based LDH catalyst significantly enhances electrocatalytic properties for HER.
• The simple polymetallic electronic modulation strategy is effective in boosting the performance of LDHs.
• This research contributes to advancing carbon-neutral energy solutions and the hydrogen economy.