Lewis acidic boron-oxygen interactions activate cobalt oxysulfide for oxygen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for energy conversion.
• Developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts is essential for OER.
• Amorphous cobalt oxysulfide shows promise but requires further optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Lewis-acidic boron incorporation into amorphous cobalt oxysulfide.
• To understand the mechanism behind enhanced OER activity.
• To develop a highly active and stable OER electrocatalyst.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of boron-incorporated amorphous cobalt oxysulfide.
• Electrochemical characterization of the catalyst for OER.
• Analysis of charge redistribution and adsorption properties.

Main Results:

• Boron incorporation led to significant OER activity (10 mA cm^-2 at 189 mV).
• Enhanced activity is attributed to charge redistribution and cooperative OH^- adsorption.
• The catalyst demonstrated stable cycling performance.

Conclusions:

• Lewis-acidic boron is an effective dopant for amorphous cobalt oxysulfide.
• Fermi-level electronic modulation plays a key role in enhancing OER.
• Boron-doped cobalt oxysulfide represents a promising electrocatalyst for OER.