Fe-Ni2P@NPC Synthesized by Trametes Orientalis as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Developing non-noble metal catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the main challenges in the production of hydrogen energy by water splitting reaction. Herein, taking advantage of the fact that microorganisms have high element contents and metabolic activities, we used them to recycle Ni and Fe from electroplating sludge. Based on the above, we designed a highly efficient oxygen evolution catalyst (Fe-Ni2P@NPC) through the in situ synthesis of Fe-doped Ni2P nanoparticles and N, P dual-doped carbon materials coupled together. The material exhibited excellent catalytic activity, with a low overpotential of 282 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm(-2) along with a fast reaction kinetics, with a small Tafel slope of 57.1 mV dec(-1). This outstanding OER performance is mainly attributed to the in situ doping of Fe in Ni2P nanoparticles, resulting in a strong synergistic effect between them. Besides, the strong coupling interaction between Fe-Ni2P and Fe-NiOOH formed during the OER can adjust the electron distribution and optimize the adsorption capacity of the intermediates. This work provides a reference for the recycling of valuable Ni and Fe metals from electroplating sludge, as well as new insight into the preparation of low-cost and high-performance OER catalysts.

Automated summary

The researchers used microorganisms to recycle Ni and Fe from electroplating sludge and designed a highly efficient oxygen evolution catalyst through the in situ synthesis of Fe-doped Ni2P nanoparticles and N, P dual-doped carbon materials. The catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and fast reaction kinetics, mainly due to the synergistic effect between Fe and Ni2P nanoparticles. The strong coupling interaction between Fe-Ni2P and Fe-NiOOH also contributed to the outstanding OER performance.