Rapid Defect Engineering in FeCoNi/FeAl₂O₄ Hybrid for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Catalysis: A Pathway to...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Defect engineering is key to optimizing electrocatalyst performance.
• While point defects are well-studied, the impact of complex planar defects on intrinsic activity remains unclear.
• Understanding defect mechanisms is crucial for designing advanced catalysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rapidly introduce and control various defects in FeCoNi/FeAl2O4 hybrid coatings using ultrasonic cavitation.
• To investigate the influence of different defect types on oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic activity.
• To elucidate the role of defects in optimizing catalytic centers and surface reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasonic cavitation for defect introduction.
• Electrochemical testing for OER activity and durability.
• Theoretical calculations to understand defect-induced electronic and structural changes.

Main Results:

• Successfully introduced diverse defects into FeCoNi/FeAl2O4 coatings.
• Demonstrated that defects optimize coordination environments and facilitate surface reconstruction.
• Achieved stable OER at 300 mA cm-2 for over 120 hours, showcasing exceptional durability.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonic cavitation is an effective method for rapid defect engineering in electrocatalysts.
• Defect modulation significantly enhances OER catalytic activity and stability.
• This work provides insights into defect-engineered catalytic mechanisms for advanced electrocatalyst design.