Engineering multilayer catalytic interfaces with N, S co-regulation for high performance water splitting

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Hierarchical nano-heterojunction electrocatalysts are crucial for efficient water splitting.
• Developing catalysts with enhanced conductivity and stability is a key research challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel N, S-doped Co3O4@NiMoO4 hierarchical nano-heterojunction electrocatalyst.
• To investigate its performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Main Methods:

• Utilized chemical vapor deposition to dope N and S elements into a core-shell Co3O4@NiMoO4 structure.
• Fabricated the catalyst on nickel foam (NF400).
• Characterized the catalyst's structure, composition, and electrochemical performance.

Main Results:

• Achieved low overpotentials of 200 mV (OER) and 160 mV (HER) at 200 mA cm-2.
• Demonstrated water splitting voltages of 1.45 V and 2 V at 10 and 200 mA cm-2, respectively.
• Exhibited stable operation for 100 hours at 50 mA cm-2.

Conclusions:

• The N, S-Co3O4@NiMoO4/NF400 catalyst shows promising bifunctional activity and durability for water splitting.
• Dual element doping and hierarchical structure optimize electronic properties and facilitate electron transfer.
• This work offers a new strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts for clean energy applications.