2D Ferromagnetic M₃GeTe₂ (M = Ni/Fe) for Boosting Intermediates Adsorption toward Faster Water Oxidation

In this work, 2D ferromagnetic M₃GeTe₂ (MGT, M = Ni/Fe) nanosheets with rich atomic Te vacancies (2D-MGT_v) are demonstrated as efficient OER electrocatalyst via a general mechanical exfoliation strategy. X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) results validate the dominant presence of metal-O moieties and rich Te vacancies, respectively. The formed Te vacancies are active for the adsorption of OH* and O* species while the metal-O moieties promote the O* and OOH* adsorption, contributing synergistically to the faster oxygen evolution kinetics. Consequently, 2D-Ni₃GeTe_2v exhibits superior OER activity with only 370 mV overpotential to reach the current density of 100 mA cm^-2 and turnover frequency (TOF) value of 101.6 s^-1 at the overpotential of 200 mV in alkaline media. Furthermore, a 2D-Ni₃GeTe_2v-based anion-exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis cell (1 cm²) delivers a current density of 1.02 and 1.32 A cm^-2 at the voltage of 3 V feeding with 0.1 and 1 m KOH solution, respectively. The demonstrated metal-O coordination with abundant atomic vacancies for ferromagnetic M₃GeTe₂ and the easily extended preparation strategy would enlighten the rational design and fabrication of other ferromagnetic materials for wider electrocatalytic applications.