Lattice Defects Coupled with Support Modification Enable a BiNi-Co₃O₄/CP Catalyst for High-Efficiency Acidic Oxygen...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Lattice defect engineering and support modification are key strategies to improve catalyst activity.
• Optimizing catalyst electronic structures is crucial for enhancing intrinsic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
• To integrate lattice defect engineering and support modification for synergistic performance enhancement.

Main Methods:

• In situ synthesis of Bi and Ni codoped Co3O4 on carbon paper (BiNi-Co3O4/CP) using a one-step molten salt method.
• Characterization using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS).

Main Results:

• Bi doping induced lattice defects, optimizing Co active sites and boosting catalytic activity.
• Synergistic Ni-Bi interaction created a porous carbon support, increasing active site exposure and bubble desorption.
• BiNi-Co3O4/CP demonstrated ultralow overpotential (275 mV at 10 mA cm-2) and 110 h stability in 0.5 M H2SO4 for OER.
• Reduced formation of the *OOH intermediate and interfacial water adsorption confirmed by DRIFTS.

Conclusions:

• The synergistic "lattice defect-support modification" approach is effective for designing efficient acidic OER electrocatalysts.
• BiNi-Co3O4/CP offers a promising paradigm for high-performance and stable electrocatalysis in acidic media.