Modulating the electronic structure of ultra-thin NiCo-LDH by FeNiCoS4 for efficient electrocatalytic urea oxidation

Abstract

The electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) provides a promising alternative pathway for oxygen evolution in water electrolysis due to its lower thermodynamic barriers. Developing efficient nonprecious metal UOR catalysts is important. Rational design of heterogeneous structures to regulate the morphology and electronic structure is an effective method to improve the activity of electrocatalysts. Herein, a unique heterostructure of ultrathin NiCo-LDH supported by FeNiCoS₄ was constructed for the UOR via a facile hydrothermal followed by electrodeposition process. The electrode exhibits superior activity and stability in a solution of 1 M KOH containing 0.33 M urea, with a potential of 1.366 V at 50 mA cm⁻² and excellent durability over 48 h. The outstanding performance is attributed to the high conductivity of FeNiCoS₄, ultrathin NiCo-LDH and the strong interface interaction between the two components, regulating the local electronic structure of the active metals. This work represents an effective strategy for the preparation of an efficient UOR catalyst with promising applications.