Interface Engineering for Improved Large-Current Oxygen Evolution via Partial Phosphorization of Ce-MOF/NiCo-MOF...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Interface engineering is crucial for electrocatalyst performance.
• Developing efficient heterointerfaces for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) at high current densities remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a straightforward strategy for constructing enhanced heterointerfaces.
• To boost electrocatalytic activity for OER through interface optimization.

Main Methods:

• In situ formation of a NiCo-metal-organic framework (MOF) and Ce-MOF heterostructure via one-step hydrothermal treatment.
• Partial phosphorization to create NiCoP shells on Ce-MOF cores (NiCoP/Ce-MOF@NF).
• Experimental and theoretical analyses to understand interface effects and electronic structure.

Main Results:

• The NiCoP/Ce-MOF@NF heterostructure exhibits a strong interface effect, enhancing charge transfer and reaction kinetics.
• Achieved an ultralow OER overpotential of 268 mV at 500 mA cm⁻².
• Demonstrated excellent large-current stability for up to 120 hours.

Conclusions:

• The developed NiCoP/Ce-MOF@NF catalyst offers a novel approach for designing heterogeneous catalysts with strong interface effects.
• This strategy significantly enhances OER performance, showing potential for industrial water electrolysis.