Defect-Driven Surface Reconstruction in High-Entropy Antiperovskite to Generate Mott-Schottky Interface for Boosting...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Green Energy

Background:

• Anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis is key for green hydrogen production, utilizing non-precious metal catalysts.
• Current oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts lack the activity and stability needed for high-current-density AEM electrolysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-entropy antiperovskite electrode for enhanced OER performance in AEM water electrolysis.
• To investigate the role of elemental synergy and surface reconstruction in catalyst activity and stability.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a high-entropy antiperovskite InN(NiCoFeCrV)3 on nickel foam (InN(NiCoFeCrV)3@NF).
• Electrochemical characterization to evaluate OER activity and stability.
• Analysis of surface reconstruction and Mott-Schottky heterojunction formation.

Main Results:

• The InN(NiCoFeCrV)3@NF electrode achieved an ultralow OER overpotential of 279 mV at 100 mA cm⁻².
• An integrated AEM electrolyzer demonstrated a low cell voltage of 1.70 V at 500 mA cm⁻² with over 400 hours of stability.
• High-entropy effect and surface reconstruction were identified as key factors for improved performance.

Conclusions:

• High-entropy antiperovskites offer a promising strategy for designing efficient and stable OER electrocatalysts for AEM water electrolysis.
• The study provides insights into charge transfer mechanisms in antiperovskite materials for energy applications.