Sn-induced electronic structure engineering of NiFe LDH for stable and efficient oxygen evolution reaction and urea oxidation reaction

Abstract

Water splitting and urea splitting are two of the most promising ways to produce clean energy. In this experiment, the presence of the Sn ion is regulated by modulating the amount of ion introduced, so as to investigate its influence on the electrochemical performance of this NiFe LDH electrode. Different forms of Sn ions will affect the electrochemical performance of NiFe LDH materials, so the effects of ions on NiFe LDH materials can be discussed through doping or the construction of heterogeneous interfaces. What is noteworthy is that when Sn is doped as an ion, the Sn-NiFe LDH/NF electrode exhibited superior oxygen evolution (overpotential of 260 mV@10 mA cm⁻²) and urea oxidation (potential of 1.35 V@10 mA cm⁻²) properties. Sn-induced electronic structure engineering is beneficial to adjust the adsorption of reaction intermediates and improve conductivity, hence enhancing catalytic activity. Experimental analysis demonstrates that the promoted performance of the Sn-NiFe LDH/NF electrode can be assigned to the rapid electron transfer rate, improved electrical conductivity and the construction of Sn-induced electronic structure engineering. This work will propose novel insights into how the presence of ions affects the catalytic activity of materials.