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Constructing CoO/Mo2 C Heterostructures with Interfacial Electron Redistribution Induced by Work Functions for
Han-Yang Chen1, Lei Yang2,3, Rong-Xu Wang1
1Collaborative Innovation Center for Nanomaterials & Devices, College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|August 24, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel CoO/Mo2C heterojunction catalyst for efficient water splitting. The work function-induced built-in field enhances catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution and overall water splitting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Heterostructures with built-in fields can enhance catalytic activity.
- Work function differences drive interfacial charge transfer in catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a CoO/Mo2C epitaxial heterojunction catalyst.
- To investigate the role of work function-induced built-in fields in catalytic activity for water splitting.
Main Methods:
- Top-down synthesis strategy for CoO/Mo2C heterojunction.
- Theoretical simulations and experimental characterization.
- Electrochemical testing for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and overall water splitting.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated interfacial electron redistribution from CoO to Mo2C.
- Optimized Gibbs free energy and accelerated HER kinetics.
- Achieved low overpotential (107 mV) for 10 mA cm-2 HER and excellent stability (60 h).
- Showcased outstanding overall water splitting performance (1.58 V for 10 mA cm-2).
Conclusions:
- The CoO/Mo2C heterojunction exhibits superior catalytic performance due to work function-induced interfacial effects.
- This work offers a new approach for designing advanced catalysts based on built-in fields.
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