Harnessing the Unconventional Cubic Phase in 2D LaNiO₃ Perovskite for Highly Efficient Urea Oxidation

Phase engineering is a critical strategy in electrocatalysis, as it allows for the modulation of electronic, geometric, and chemical properties to directly influence the catalytic performance. Despite its potential, phase engineering remains particularly challenging in thermodynamically stable perovskites, especially in a 2D structure constraint. Herein, we report phase engineering in 2D LaNiO₃ perovskite using the strongly non-equilibrium microwave shock method. This approach enables the synthesis of conventional hexagonal and unconventional trigonal and cubic phases in LaNiO₃ by inducing selective phase transitions at designed temperatures, followed by rapid quenching to allow precise phase control while preserving the 2D porous structure. These phase transitions induce structural distortions in the [LaO]⁺ layers and the hybridization between Ni 3d and O 2p states, modifying local charge distribution and enhancing electron transport during the six-electron urea oxidation process (UOR). The cubic LaNiO₃ offers optimal electron transport and active site accessibility due to its high structural symmetry and open interlayer spacing, resulting in a low onset potential of 1.27 V and a Tafel slope of 33.1 mV dec^-1 for UOR, outperforming most current catalysts. Our strategy features high designability in phase engineering, enabling various electrocatalysts to harness the power of unconventional phases.