Discharge-Induced Enhancement of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The fundamental understanding of the surface reconstruction induced by the applied potential is of great significance for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we show that a previously overlooked discharge current in the low applied potential region also leads to in situ electrochemical activation of a nitrogen-doped nickel oxyhydroxide surface. We exploit the fact that doping of heteroatoms weakens the surface structure, and hence, a weak discharge current originating from the capacitive nature of nickel oxyhydroxide has a strong structure-reforming ability to promote the formation of nitrogen and oxygen vacancies. The current density at 1.4 V (vs. Hg/HgO) can dramatically increase by as much as 31.3 % after discharge in the low applied potential region. This work provides insight into in situ enhancement of the OER and suggests that the low applied potential region must be a primary consideration in evaluating the origin of the activity of electrocatalysts.

Automated summary

This study reveals that discharge current in the low applied potential region can also lead to in situ electrochemical activation of nitrogen-doped nickel oxyhydroxide surface, significantly enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction. The formation of nitrogen and oxygen vacancies can be promoted through the structure-reforming ability of discharge current.