Electron-rich NiFe layered double hydroxides via interface engineering for boosting electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Authors：Zhang, Jingfang^*; Zhang, Hongjuan; Huang, Yi^*

Source：Applied Catalysis B: Environmental , 2021, 297: 120453.

DOI：10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.120453

• Electrocatalysis
• Interface engineering
• Layer double hydroxide (LDH)
• Water splitting
• Oxygen evolution reaction

Modulating the local electronic structures of the active sites represents a promising strategy to improve the activity of electrocatalysts. Here, a facile interface engineering strategy is reported to fabricate electron-rich NiFe layer double hydroxide (LDH) by interfacing with conductive polyaniline (PANI) for significantly improving the OER activity. Experimental and theoretical investigations unveil that the unique electron-rich states of active metal sites in NiFe LDH via the strong interfacial coupling effect can optimize the adsorption free energy of reactive oxygenated intermediates. Remarkably, the electron-rich NiFe LDH electrocatalysts exhibit outstanding OER performance with a low overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, a small Tafel slope of 44 mV dec-1, and good stability.

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