Carbon Quantum Dots-Doped Ni₃Se₄/Co₉Se₈/Fe₃O₄ Multilayer Nanosheets Prepared Using the One-Step Solvothermal Method...

Oxygen evolution reaction is a momentous part of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices such as rechargeable metal-air batteries. It is particularly urgent to develop low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions. As a potential substitute for noble metal electrocatalysts, transition metal selenides still prove challenging in improving the activity of oxygen evolution reaction and research into reaction intermediates. In this study, a simple one-step solvothermal method was used to prepare a polymetallic compound carbon matrix composite (Co₉Se₈/Ni₃Se₄/Fe₃O₄@C) with a multilayered nanosheets structure. It exhibited good OER activity in an alkaline electrolyte solution, with an overpotential of 268 mV at 10 mA/cm². In addition, this catalyst also showed excellent performance in the 24 h stability test. The composite presents a multi-layer sheet structure, which effectively improves the contact between the active site and the electrolyte. The selenide formed by Ni and Co has a synergistic effect, and Fe₃O₄ and Co₉Se₈ form a heterojunction structure which can effectively improve the reaction activity by initiating the electronic coupling effect through the interface modification. In addition, carbon quantum dots have rich heteroatoms and electron transferability, which improves the electrochemical properties of the composites. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of highly efficient OER electrocatalysts utilizing the multi-metal synergistic effect.