1D Nanowire Heterojunction Electrocatalysts of MnCo2O4/GDY for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Rational design and synthesis of non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts for efficient overall water splitting (OWS) in an integrated electrolyzer are of great significance for the development of hydrogen energy. To this end, nanowire-structured heterogenous MnCo2O4/graphdiyne arrays are synthesized on the surface of 3D carbon cloth (NW-MnCo2O4/GDY) by using in situ assembly and coupling strategy. Experiments demonstrated that the special core/shell-nanowire structure and synergistic interaction between the MnCo2O4 and GDY can greatly improve the electric conductivity, facilitate the mass/ion transport and gas emissions, expose more active sites, and thus lead to the enhancement of the catalytic activity and long-term stability of the electrocatalysts for OWS. For example, the alkaline water electrolyzer assembled by NW-MnCo2O4/GDY shows high-performance with only 1.47 and 1.60 V required to reach a current density of 10 and 100 mA cm(-2), respectively, which is even better than that of previously reported electrocatalysts.

Automated summary

The rational design and synthesis of non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts are crucial for efficient overall water splitting (OWS) in an integrated electrolyzer for hydrogen energy development. The nanowire-structured heterogenous MnCo2O4/graphdiyne arrays show improved electric conductivity, mass/ion transport, gas emissions, and exposure of active sites, leading to enhanced catalytic activity and long-term stability. The alkaline water electrolyzer assembled with NW-MnCo2O4/GDY demonstrates high performance with lower voltage requirements compared to previously reported electrocatalysts.