Heterostructure Interface Engineering in CoP/FeP/CeO_x with a Tailored d-Band Center for Promising Overall Water Splitting Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Accomplishing a green hydrogen economy in reality through water spitting ultimately relies upon earth-abundant efficient electrocatalysts that can simultaneously accelerate the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER). The perspective of electronic structure modulation via interface engineering is of great significance to optimize electrocatalytic output but remains a tremendous challenge. Herein, an efficient tactic has been explored to prepare nanosheet-assembly tumbleweed-like CoFeCe-containing precursors with time-/energy-saving and easy-operating features. Subsequently, the final metal phosphide materials containing multiple interfaces, denoted CoP/FeP/CeO x , have been synthesized via the phosphorization process. Through the optimization of the Co/Fe ratio and the content of the rare-earth Ce element, the electrocatalytic activity has been regulated. As a result, bifunctional Co3Fe/Ce0.025 reaches the top of the volcano for both OER and HER simultaneously, with the smallest overpotentials of 285 mV (OER) and 178 mV (HER) at 10 mA cm −2 current density in an alkaline environment. Multicomponent heterostructure interface engineering would lead to more exposed active sites, feasible charge transport, and strong interfacial electronic interaction. More importantly, the appropriate Co/Fe ratio and Ce content can synergistically tailor the d-band center with a downshift to enhance the per-site intrinsic activity. This work would provide valuable insights to regulate the electronic structure of superior electrocatalysts toward water splitting by constructing rare-earth compounds containing multiple heterointerfaces.

Rare earth oxide based electrocatalysts: synthesis, properties and applications

“…Wang et al synthesized CoP/FeP/CeO x with multiple interfaces based on the electronic structure modulation of interface engineering. 169 The electrocatalytic activity was adjusted by optimizing the Co/Fe ratio and the content of Ce. The results show that bifunctional Co 3 Fe/Ce 0.025 has a lowest overpotential of 285 mV (OER) and 178 mV (HER) when the current density is 10 mA cm −2 in an alkaline environment.…”