Quantum dot-doped CeO-NiB with modulated electron density as a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Economical, efficient, and durable non-noble metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) are essential but challenging.
• Developing bifunctional catalysts that can perform both HER and OER is key for applications like water splitting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a strategy for developing efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts by doping metal borides with rare earth metal oxides and introducing silicon carbide (SiC) quantum dots.
• To synthesize and characterize a novel electrocatalyst, CeO-NiB/SiC@NF, for HER and OER applications.

Main Methods:

• A one-step mild electroless plating reaction was used to synthesize the CeO-NiB/SiC electrocatalyst supported on nickel foam.
• Electrochemical performance was evaluated for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), including overpotentials and current densities.
• Durability was tested at industrial-grade current densities.

Main Results:

• The CeO-NiB/SiC@NF electrode exhibited significantly boosted electrochemically active surface area and electron transfer.
• Achieved current densities of 50 mA cm⁻² for HER at 131 mV and 10 mA cm⁻² for OER at 234 mV overpotentials.
• Required only 1.43 V for 10 mA cm⁻² overall water splitting in 1.0 M KOH, with good stability and durability.

Conclusions:

• The developed CeO-NiB/SiC@NF electrocatalyst demonstrates high efficiency and durability for both HER and OER.
• The strategy of doping metal borides with rare earth metal oxides and incorporating SiC quantum dots offers a promising route for designing advanced non-precious metal catalysts.
• This work provides a new approach for the development of efficient and durable non-precious metal catalysts for electrochemical energy conversion.