Carbon nanofiber-supported tantalum oxides as durable catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media

Active and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), capable of replacing noble metal catalysts, are required to develop efficient and competitive devices within the frame of the water electrolysis technology for hydrogen production. In this work, we have investigated tantalum based catalysts supported on carbon nanofibers (CNF) for the first time. The effect of CNF characteristics and the catalyst annealing temperature on the electrochemical response for the OER have been analyzed in alkaline environment using a rotating ring disc electrode (RRDE). The best OER activity and oxygen efficiency were found with a highly graphitic CNF, despite its lower surface area, synthesized at 700 degrees C, and upon a catalyst annealing temperature of 800 degrees C. The ordering degree of carbon nanofibers favors the production of oxygen in combination with a low oxygen content in tantalum oxides. The most active catalyst exhibited also an excellent durability. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

In this study, tantalum based catalysts supported on carbon nanofibers (CNF) were investigated for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for the first time. It was found that the catalyst exhibited the best OER activity and oxygen efficiency when using highly graphitic CNF synthesized at 700 degrees C and annealed at 800 degrees C. The ordering degree of CNF and low oxygen content in tantalum oxides were crucial for promoting oxygen production. The most active catalyst also demonstrated excellent durability.