Co₃O₄ Supported on β‐Mo₂C with Different Interfaces for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Interface engineering is an effective strategy for improving the activity of catalysts in electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, Co3O4 supported on β‐Mo2C with different interfaces were investigated for electrocatalytic OER. The morphological diversity of β‐Mo2C supports allowed different Co3O4‐Mo2C interactions. Various techniques characterized the composition and microstructure of the interface in the composites. Due to the strong interaction between Co3O4 nanoparticles and β‐Mo2C nanobelts with opposing surface potentials, compact interface was observed between Co3O4 active species and β‐Mo2C nanobelt support. The compact interface enhanced the conductivity of the material and also regulated the interfacial electron redistribution of Mo and Co atoms, promoting the charge transfer process during OER. In addition, the surface loading of Co3O4 can effectively improve the hydrophilicity of the surface. β‐Mo2C has the capability in dissociating H2O molecules. Thus, an example has been carefully demonstrated for interface engineering in electrocatalytic OER.

Tuning the d-Band Center of Co3O4 via Octahedral and Tetrahedral Codoping for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

“…Some effective strategies are used to improve performance, such as the construction of the amorphous [Co(OH) 6 ] intermediate state, 18 carbon and nitrogen material substrate, 19 and supported composites. 20 However, the geometric site where the catalytic activity originates is still elusive. 21,22 Besides, the regulation of geometric configuration is often accompanied by changes in the electronic structure.…”

“…Pure spinel-type Co 3 O 4 without any modification often has an unsatisfactory performance. Some effective strategies are used to improve performance, such as the construction of the amorphous [Co­(OH) 6 ] intermediate state, carbon and nitrogen material substrate, and supported composites . However, the geometric site where the catalytic activity originates is still elusive. , …”