ORR, OER, and HER activity promotion in hierarchical yolk–shell structures based on Co-glycerate@cobalt carbonate hydroxide by dual doping with manganese and boron

Abstract

Nowadays, exploring efficient electrocatalysts is crucial for the tri-functional oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, we designed a novel electrocatalyst based on Mn- and B-doped Co-glycerate@cobalt carbonate hydroxide for the tri-functional OER, HER and ORR under alkaline conditions. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate overpotentials of 318 and 75 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² for the OER and HER, respectively. Moreover, a two-electrode device based on the prepared electrocatalyst required low cell voltages of 1.61 V and 1.86 V to achieve current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm⁻², respectively. The prepared electrocatalyst exhibits an onset potential of 0.96 V and a half-wave potential of 0.89 V as a robust electrocatalyst for the ORR. The improved electrocatalytic performance of the prepared electrocatalyst can be attributed to the increased electrical conductivity enabled by heteroelement doping and synergistic effects.