Recent advances in earth-abundant first-row transition metal (Fe, Co and Ni)-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of fundamental importance as a half reaction and rate-controlling step that plays a predominant function in improving the energy storage and conversion efficiency during the electrochemical water-splitting process. In this review, after briefly introducing the fundamental mechanism of the OER, we systematically summarize the recent research progress for nonprecious-metal-based OER electrocatalysts of representative first-row transition metal (Fe, Co and Ni)-based composite materials. We analyze the effects of the physicochemical properties, including morphologies, structures and compositions, on the integrated performance of these OER electrocatalysts, with the aim of determining the structure-function correlation of the electrocatalysts in the electrochemical reaction process. Furthermore, the prospective development directions of OER electrocatalysts are also illustrated and emphasized. Finally, this mini-review highlights how systematic introductions will accelerate the exploitation of high-efficiency OER electrocatalysts.

Improving Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Selectivity and Yield by Suppressing Hydrogen Evolution Reaction via Electronic Metal–Support Interaction

“…To better understand the performance enhancement from the construction of such a synergistic structure, DFT calculations were used to explore the EMSI relationship between the support and metal and the Gibbs free energy for each step of the NRR. [ 52,53 ] The optimized structure is shown in Figures S21–S25 (Supporting Information). The oxygen atoms around the Mo site can facilitate electron transfer from Mo to the support, thereby forming the Lewis acid site (electron‐deficient area) in the Mo center and reducing the energy barrier for HER activity and first hydrogenation ( Figure 4 a).…”

“…To better understand the performance enhancement from the construction of such a synergistic structure, DFT calculations were used to explore the EMSI relationship between the support and metal and the Gibbs free energy for each step of the NRR. [52,53] The optimized structure is shown in Figures S21-S25 and first hydrogenation (Figure 4a). Such an area accommodated the lone pair of electrons of the N 2 molecule and then effectively activated the NN triple bond, which reduced the hydrogenation energy of the first step.…”

Anodization fabrication techniques and energy-related applications for nanostructured anodic films on transition metals

“…Moreover, in some electrolytes containing special anionic species, including iodide, phosphate and sulfide, the as-anodized products were metal iodides (or phosphates or sulfides) instead of metal oxides/hydroxides. The anodized films on transition metals have found widespread applications in PEC water splitting, photocatalysis, lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors and biomaterials [201,202] .…”

In situspace-confined growth of Co3O4nanoparticles inside N-doped hollow porous carbon nanospheres as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for high-performance rechargeable zinc–air batteries

“…It is well known that platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru), as typical precious metals, have the best catalytic activity for the ORR and OER, respectively. [14][15][16] However, the extensive use of the precious metals namely Pt and Ru will inevitably weaken the low-cost advantage of RZABs and is not conducive to large-scale commercialization. Thus, developing high-performance and low-cost bifunctional catalysts is of great significance for massive practical application in RZABs.…”