Issue 22, 2024

Electronic redistribution through the interface of MnCo2O4–Ni3N nano-urchins prompts rapid In situ phase transformation for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

One of the most coveted objectives in the realm of energy conversion technologies is the development of highly efficient and economically viable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. The commercialization of such techniques has thus far been impeded by their slow response kinetics. One of the many ways to develop highly effective electrocatalysts is to judiciously choose a coupling interface that maximizes catalyst performance. In this study, the in situ electrochemical phase transformation of MnCo2O4–Ni3N into MnCo2O4–NiOOH is described. The catalyst has an exceptional overpotential of 224 mV to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Strong interfacial contact is seen in the MnCo2O4–Ni3N catalyst, leading to a considerable electronic redistribution between the MnCo2O4 and Ni3N phases. This causes an increase in the valence state of Ni, which makes it an active site for the adsorption of *OH, O*, and *OOH (intermediates). This charge transfer facilitates the rapid phase transformation to form NiOOH from Ni3N. At a higher current density of 300 mA cm−2, the catalyst remained stable for a period of 140 h. DFT studies also revealed that the in situ-formed NiOOH on the MnCo2O4 surface results in superior OER kinetics compared to that of NiOOH alone.

Graphical abstract: Electronic redistribution through the interface of MnCo2O4–Ni3N nano-urchins prompts rapid In situ phase transformation for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
06 Feb 2024
Accepted
30 Apr 2024
First published
08 May 2024

Nanoscale, 2024,16, 10663-10674

Electronic redistribution through the interface of MnCo2O4–Ni3N nano-urchins prompts rapid In situ phase transformation for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

A. Gaur, Aashi, J. M. John, V. Pundir, R. Kaur, J. Sharma, K. Gupta, C. Bera and V. Bagchi, Nanoscale, 2024, 16, 10663 DOI: 10.1039/D4NR00560K

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