The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a vital yet challenging process in water splitting, requiring a four-electron transfer that often suffers from slow reaction kinetics. Noble metal-based oxides, such as RuO₂ and IrO₂, have been the go-to catalysts for this process, but their scarcity and high cost have motivated the search for alternative, non-precious metal catalysts. NiFe (oxy)hydroxide (NiFeOOH) has emerged as a promising candidate due to its high activity, low cost, and improved stability. However, optimizing its performance to meet industrial standards remains a key scientific challenge.

Led by Xiangjiu Guan, the team at Xi’an Jiaotong University introduced high valence molybdenum (Mo) into NiFeOOH to modify its electronic structure and enhance electrical conductivity. This innovative approach aimed to reduce the overpotential required for the OER and improve the catalyst’s stability under operational conditions. The researchers employed both empirical experiments and theoretical simulations to understand the interactions between Mo, Ni, and Fe in the doped catalyst.

The Mo-doped NiFeOOH catalyst demonstrated a significantly reduced overpotential of 205 mV at 10 mA/cm² and a Tafel slope of 31.7 mV/dec, indicating superior catalytic activity. Moreover, it maintained stable operation for up to 170 h, showcasing its impressive durability. The study revealed that Mo-doping enhances the valence states of Ni and Fe, leading to a shift in the d-band center of the bimetallic active sites, which is crucial for the transformation into the active γ-NiFeOOH phase. Theoretical investigations using density functional theory (DFT) computations further supported these findings, elucidating the most effective OER pathways and the role of Mo in enhancing catalytic activity.

This research offers a promising strategy for developing high-performance, non-precious metal electrocatalysts for the OER. The Mo-doped NiFeOOH catalyst’s combination of low overpotential, rapid reaction kinetics, and long-term stability makes it a strong contender for commercial applications in water electrolysis and other renewable energy technologies. The findings also contribute to the fundamental understanding of bimetallic synergies in catalyst design, providing a foundation for future innovations in the field of electrocatalysis.
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0960-6