Optimizing charge pathways by interface engineering in Fe₂O₃/Co₃O₄/Co(PO₃)₂ heterostructures for superior oxygen...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• The Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) is critical for renewable energy technologies like water splitting.
• Developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts is essential for advancing energy storage and conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel multi-heterostructure catalyst for enhanced OER performance.
• To investigate the structure-property relationships governing the catalytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Fe2O3/Co3O4/Co(PO3)2 multi-heterostructure via grinding and one-step pyrolysis.
• Electrochemical characterization of OER performance, including overpotential and charge transfer resistance (Rct).
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate reaction mechanisms and electronic properties.

Main Results:

• The multi-heterostructure catalyst achieved an ultra-low OER overpotential of 232 mV.
• Significantly reduced Rct (5.88 Ω) and enhanced electron transfer efficiency at the heterojunction interface.
• Increased specific surface area and mesoporosity led to a higher density of active catalytic sites.

Conclusions:

• The Fe2O3/Co3O4/Co(PO3)2 catalyst demonstrates superior OER activity compared to single heterostructures.
• The unique multi-heterostructure design optimizes electron transfer and active site availability.
• This work offers insights into designing advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable energy applications.