Modulating electronic structure of Ni2P pre-catalyst by doping trace iron for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline

Electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production is of great significance in exploring sustainable energy for the upcoming low-carbon era, the discovery of electrocatalysts with high activity and inexpensive is highly important to expedite the extremely sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, an efficient OER electrocatalyst was designed by doping trace Fe into Ni2P via a simple structural transformation. The crystal structure and surface chemical state analysis demonstrated the introduction of Fe dopant and the successful formation of the host Ni2P. As-prepared Fe-Ni2P microspheres greatly optimized the intrinsic activity of the active site and accelerated the mass transfer rate. Intriguingly, the electrochemical tests certified that trace Fe doping can increase the activity of nickel phosphide more significantly. High valence state transition from Ni-P bond to Ni-O bond was clearly observed, suggesting the new active species can be easily formed during OER. This article provides a trace Fe doping strategy for the study of efficient electrocatalysts to improve the kinetics of OER. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Trace Fe doping was introduced into Ni2P to design an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production. The crystal structure and surface chemical state analysis confirmed the successful formation of the Fe-doped Ni2P catalyst and its improved kinetics.