FeCoNi molybdenum-based oxides for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• The development of efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts is essential for advancing sustainable energy solutions.
• Electrocatalysts play a critical role in energy conversion processes, such as water splitting and fuel cells.
• Molybdenum-based oxides are promising candidates for electrocatalytic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel self-supported multi-metal molybdenum-based oxide electrocatalyst.
• To investigate the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the fabricated material for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
• To understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for enhanced OER performance using experimental and computational methods.

Main Methods:

• A one-step hydrothermal synthesis method was employed to prepare FeCoNi-MoO4 on nickel foam.
• Electrochemical performance was evaluated using techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to elucidate the electronic structure and reaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The FeCoNi-MoO4 electrocatalyst exhibited excellent OER performance with low overpotentials of 204 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and 271 mV at 100 mA cm⁻².
• A low Tafel slope of 50.6 mV dec⁻¹ indicated enhanced OER kinetics, attributed to the multi-metal composition and increased active sites.
• The electrode demonstrated remarkable long-term stability, operating continuously for over 48 hours.

Conclusions:

• The incorporation of Fe and Co into the MoO4 framework significantly enhances OER activity by modifying microstructure and electronic properties.
• FeCoNi-MoO4 serves as a highly efficient, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction.
• This study presents a promising strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable energy applications.