Modulation of interfacial electronic structure in Ni3P/NiFe LDH p-n junction for efficient oxygen evolution at ampere-level current density

The development of efficient non-noble metal catalysts that can operate at high current densities for sluggish oxygen evolution is crucial for the large-scale commercialization of water electrolysis. Herein, we have developed a heterostructure oxygen evolution anode material that satisfies the requirements of ampere-level current density using a straightforward calcination-electroplating approach. Due to the natural p-n junction interface, a built-in electric field is induced in the Ni3P/NiFe LDH electrode, resulting in high conductivity and low gas transmission resistance. As a result of its heterogeneous structure, abundant active sites, and rapid interfacial electron transfer, this Ni3P/NiFe LDH exhibits outstanding catalytic performance, achieving an oxygen evolution current density of 1.4 A cm(-2) with an ultra-low overpotential of 304 mV. DFT calculations indicate that the formed p-n junction effectively drives electron transfer and directly influences the charge density surrounding the active center, thereby enhancing intrinsic activity. This study highlights the potential use of non-noble metal-based heterojunction materials as efficient catalysts for the oxygen evolution in alkaline water electrolysis.

Automated summary

The developed Ni3P/NiFe LDH material, with its heterogeneous structure and natural p-n junction interface, exhibits outstanding catalytic performance in oxygen evolution due to high conductivity and low gas transmission resistance.