Plasma-Engineered LaMO₃ Perovskites as Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Unlocking Potential by Oxygen...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Efficient electrocatalysts are vital for green hydrogen production via water electrolysis.
• Perovskite oxides show promise as non-noble metal OER catalysts but suffer from poor conductivity and limited active sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and versatile plasma engineering strategy to enhance the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of perovskite oxides.
• To investigate the impact of plasma treatment on the structural and electronic properties of perovskite oxides for improved electrocatalytic performance.

Main Methods:

• A rapid plasma engineering strategy was employed to modify perovskite oxides (LaMO₃, M = Fe, Co, Ni).
• Characterization of modified catalysts focused on surface area, oxygen vacancies, and charge transfer capabilities.
• Electrocatalytic performance was evaluated by measuring overpotential at a specific current density for the oxygen evolution reaction.

Main Results:

• Plasma-treated V-LaFeO₃ exhibited increased surface area, abundant oxygen vacancies, and enhanced charge transfer.
• V-LaFeO₃ achieved a low overpotential (332 mV at 10 mA cm^-2), outperforming pristine LaFeO₃ and commercial RuO₂.
• The plasma engineering approach also successfully enhanced the OER performance of LaCoO₃ and LaNiO₃.

Conclusions:

• Plasma engineering is a general and effective strategy for boosting the OER activity of perovskite-based electrocatalysts.
• This method offers a pathway to designing cost-effective, high-performance catalysts for sustainable energy applications like green hydrogen production.
• The enhanced conductivity and active site exposure are key factors contributing to the improved electrocatalytic performance.