Precision-Grown Bi₂O₂Se Flakes for Exceptional Electrocatalytic Performance in Acidic Medium

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Efficient hydrogen production is crucial for sustainable energy, but acidic media require highly effective catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• Existing bismuth-based catalysts often fall short in performance and stability under acidic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate Bi2O2Se nanosheets as a novel catalyst for HER in acidic media.
• To investigate the structural and electronic properties contributing to the catalytic activity of Bi2O2Se.
• To assess the performance of Bi2O2Se in overall water splitting.

Main Methods:

• Scalable hydrothermal synthesis of Bi2O2Se nanosheets.
• Electrochemical characterization including overpotential, Tafel slope analysis, and impedance spectroscopy.
• Long-term stability testing under acidic conditions.
• Evaluation in a dual-electrode system for overall water splitting.

Main Results:

• Bi2O2Se nanosheets achieved a low overpotential of 104 mV at 10 mA cm-2 for HER in acidic media.
• Demonstrated superior catalytic performance compared to other bismuth-based HER catalysts.
• Exhibited rapid HER kinetics, reduced charge-transfer resistance, and excellent long-term stability.
• A dual-electrode system (Bi2O2Se@CP cathode, RuO2@CP anode) achieved 10 mA cm-2 at 1.49 V for overall water splitting.

Conclusions:

• Bi2O2Se nanosheets are highly efficient, stable, and cost-effective catalysts for acidic HER.
• The unique properties of Bi2O2Se enhance catalytic activity and charge transfer.
• This research provides a promising pathway for advancing sustainable hydrogen production using scalable catalytic solutions.