Novel N-doped biomass carbon spheres loaded with In-Situ grown FeCo layered double hydroxide for oxygen evolution...

To improve the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) while minimizing energy consumption and costs, we propose a novel design strategy. Oatmeal, an abundant and inexpensive feedstock rich in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), serves as an ideal precursor for biochar synthesis. By utilizing N-doped carbon spheres (NCS) as carriers, we achieved uniform growth of ZIF-67 on their surface through polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) activation. The FeCo layered double hydroxide (FeCo-LDH) was subsequently formed via the etching action of [Fe(C₂O₄)₃]^3-. The incorporation of NCS not only prevents the agglomeration of FeCo-LDH but also enhances the electrical conductivity of the complexes, thereby improving catalytic performance. The overpotential was measured at a modest 317 mV in 1 M KOH at 10 mA cm^-2, with a Tafel slope as low as 44.6 mV dec^-1. This study significantly enhances the catalytic performance of the OER and highlights the potential of biomass-derived carbon in improving OER efficiency.