Mesoporous nanostructured spinel-type MFe2O4 (M = Co, Mn, Ni) oxides as efficient bi-functional electrocatalysts towards oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of Ecofriendly and Earth-Abundant (Zn,Cu)Fe2O4 + CuO Nanocomposites for Water Splitting

The projection of sustainable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly energy technologies demands innovation of electrocatalysts utilizing earth-abundant materials. The current study aims to improve the catalytic activity of spinel zinc ferrite (ZF), which is an earth-abundant and economically viable material, via a doping strategy. The spinel ZF shows a weak catalytic activity for water splitting, whereas the substitution of Cu ions at octahedral sites results in improving the catalytic performance in both acidic and basic electrolytes. Structural characterization using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction demonstrates that, depending on the Cu concentration, Cu ions either incorporate into spinel Zn-ferrite oxide as doping agents or form CuO nanocomposites, where Cu-induced construction of a composite containing ZCF nanoparticles and CuO nanophase coexists. Substituting Zn with Cu in the octahedral sites of the ZF crystal structure leads to a decrease in the unit cell lattice parameter, and the crystal symmetry is impacted, including the creation of strain and dislocation density. HRTEM analyses provide evidence that the ZF particles nucleate and grow randomly due to the asymmetric reaction dynamics of spinel oxide and the lack of surfactant, while the ZCF nanoparticles are elongated in preferential orientation, forming oriented nanoparticles with a greater surface-to-volume ratio. To attain the current density of 10 mA cm-2, the nanocomposite of the ZCF-50 electrode shows the lowest overpotential of 280 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) among other electrodes. The Tafel slope also decreases significantly in which the nanocomposite of ZCF-50 shows the lowest value of 80 mV dec-1. The measured double-layer capacitance (Cdl) for the nanocomposite structure of ZCF-50 offers the highest value of 27 mF cm-2, which indicates that the nanocomposite contains the largest electrochemically active surface area (ECSA). The catalytic activity of Cu-doped spinel ZCF for hydrogen evolution reaction is also evaluated. The nanocomposite of ZCF-50 shows the lowest onset overpotential of 60 mV compared to 200 mV for the ZF electrode. The obtained Cdl over cathodic potentials for the ZCF-50 electrode shows the highest value of 11.3 mF cm-2 compared with other electrodes. These results confirm that ZCF-50 contains the largest ECSA and highest electrochemical activity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies also demonstrate that the ZCF-50 electrode shows the lowest charge-transfer resistance, indicating that the catalytic OER is improved significantly at its interfaces. We realize that Cu doping into the ferrite structure and the formation of the CuO semishells synergistically can improve interparticle and transparticle charge transfer.

Cobalt-Doped MnFe2O4 Spinel Coupled with Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide: Enhanced Oxygen Electrocatalytic Activity for Zinc-Air Batteries

MFCO spinel anchored on N-rGO is synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal method as a bifunctional electrocatalyst. Its physicochemical properties have been characterized and tested, and it is applied to zinc-air batteries. The experimental and theoretical calculations show that the MFCO is uniformly distributed on the surface of N-rGO. When MFCO is anchored on the conducting N-rGO, a synergistic effect occurs between the Co-N bonds, which changes the arrangement of the C-N bonds from the sp2 orientation to the sp3 form. The ORR catalytic pathway of the MFCO/N-rGO electrocatalyst is dominated by 4-electron transfer, with a half-wave potential of 0.8003 V, an overpotential value of 352 mV, and a small potential difference (ΔE = 0.78 V). With a charge/discharge voltage difference of about 0.88 V, the voltage gap remains almost unchanged for a long period after 650 h, showing excellent stability. The improved catalytic performance is attributed to Co acting as an active site, and the doping of Co induces the Jahn-Teller effect, which alters the electronic structure of spinel, shifts the d-band center upward, enhances the adsorption of oxygen intermediates, and promotes the oxygen electrocatalytic reaction. This study provides a low-cost and promising bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for zinc-air batteries.

Electrocatalysis: From Planar Surfaces to Nanostructured Interfaces

The reactions critical for the energy transition center on the chemistry of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and the heterogeneous catalyst surfaces that make up electrochemical energy conversion systems. Together, the surface-adsorbate interactions constitute the electrochemical interphase and define reaction kinetics of many clean energy technologies. Practical devices introduce high levels of complexity where surface roughness, structure, composition, and morphology combine with electrolyte, pH, diffusion, and system level limitations to challenge our ability to deconvolute underlying phenomena. To make significant strides in materials design, a structured approach based on well-defined surfaces is necessary to selectively control distinct parameters, while complexity is added sequentially through careful application of nanostructured surfaces. In this review, we cover advances made through this approach for key elements in the field, beginning with the simplest hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions and concluding with more complex organic molecules. In each case, we offer a unique perspective on the contribution of well-defined systems to our understanding of electrochemical energy conversion technologies and how wider deployment can aid intelligent materials design.

Rational design of nanoscale stabilized oxide catalysts for OER with OC22

The efficiency of H2 production via water electrolysis is limited by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). As such, significant emphasis has been placed upon improving the rate of OER through the anode catalyst. More recently, the Open Catalyst 2022 (OC22) framework has provided a large dataset of density functional theory (DFT) calculations for OER intermediates on the surfaces of oxides. When coupled with state-of-the-art graph neural network models, total energy predictions can be achieved with a mean absolute error as low as 0.22 eV. In this work, we interpolated a database of the total energy predictions for all slabs and OER surface intermediates for 4119 oxide materials in the original OC22 dataset using pre-trained models from the OC22 framework. This database includes all terminations of all facets up to a maximum Miller index of 1. To demonstrate the full utility of this database, we constructed a flexible screening framework to identify viable candidate anode catalysts for OER under varying reaction conditions for bulk, surface, and nanoscale Pourbaix stability as well as material cost, overpotential, and metastability. From our assessment, we were able to identify 122 and 68 viable candidates for OER under the bulk and nanoscale regime, respectively.

1-D arrays of porous Mn0.21Co2.79O4 nanoneedles with an enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution reaction

Developing effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) that are highly efficient, abundantly available, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly is critical to improving the overall efficiency of water splitting and the large-scale development of water splitting technologies. We, herein, introduce a facile synthetic strategy for depositing the self-supported arrays of 1D-porous nanoneedles of a manganese cobalt oxide (Mn0.21Co2.79O4: MCO) thin film demonstrating an enhanced electrocatalytic activity for OER in an alkaline electrolyte. For this, an MCO film was synthesized via thermal treatment of a hydroxycarbonate film obtained from a hydrothermal route. The deposited films were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In contrast to a similar 1D-array of a pristine Co3O4 (CO) nanoneedle film, the MCO film exhibits a remarkably enhanced electrocatalytic performance in the OER with an 85 mV lower overpotential for the benchmark current density of 10 mA cm-2. In addition, the MCO film also demonstrates long-term electrochemical stability for the OER in 1.0 M KOH aqueous electrolyte.

Transition metal oxides with perovskite and spinel structures for electrochemical energy production applications

Transition metal oxide-based materials are an interesting alternative to substitute noble-metal based catalyst in energy conversion devices designed for oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). Perovskite (ABO₃) and spinel (AB₂O₄) oxides stand out against other structures due to the possibility of tailoring their chemical composition and, consequently, their properties. Particularly, the electrocatalytic performance of these materials depends on features such as chemical composition, crystal structure, nanostructure, cation substitution level, e_g orbital filling or oxygen vacancies. However, they suffer from low electrical conductivity and surface area, which affects the catalytic response. To mitigate these drawbacks, they have been combined with carbon materials (e.g. carbon black, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon, and graphene) that positively influence the overall catalytic activity. This review provides an overview on tunable perovskites (mainly lanthanum-based) and spinels featuring 3d metal cations such as Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu on octahedral sites, which are known to be active for the electrochemical energy conversion.

Amphiphilic Self-Assembly of Nanocrystals at Emulsion Interface Renders Fast and Scalable Quasi-Nanosheet Formation

Scalable assembly of nanocrystals (NCs) into two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets has aroused great interest, yet it remains under-explored. This is because current 2D assembly methods rely mainly on the use of solid- or liquid-air interfaces, which are inherently difficult for upscaling and thus lack practicability. Here, with a microemulsion-based amphiphilic assembly technique, we achieve a fast and scalable preparation of free-standing nanosheets comprising few-layer, tightly packed NCs, namely, quasi-nanosheets (quasi-NSs). Acetic acid, acting as both solvent and surface-treatment agent, is used to render the initially hydrophobic NCs amphiphilic, while simultaneously inducing the interfacial instability right after the assembly of NCs at the emulsion interface to afford quasi-NSs. This amphiphilic assembly method is applicable to a variety of NCs, and multicomponent quasi-NSs are also attainable upon coassembly of different types of NCs. In addition, the structural advantages of quasi-NSs in catalysis are showcased by using NiFe2O4 quasi-NSs as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. This work opens a new route for the scalable construction of 2D NC sheets with designated components and functions.

Magnetic Field Manipulation of Tetrahedral Units in Spinel Oxides for Boosting Water Oxidation

Magnetic field enhanced electrocatalysis has recently emerged as a promising strategy for the development of a viable and sustainable hydrogen economy via water oxidation. Generally, the effects of magnetic field enhanced electrocatalysis are complex including magnetothermal, magnetohydrodynamic and spin selectivity effects. However, the exploration of magnetic field effect on the structure regulation of electrocatalyst is still unclear whereas is also essential for underpinning the mechanism of magnetic enhancement on the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process. Here, it is identified that in a mixed NiFe₂ O₄ (NFO), a large magnetic field can force the Ni²⁺ cations to migrate from the octahedral (O_h ) sites to tetrahedral (T_d ) sites. As a result, the magnetized NFO electrocatalyst (NFO-M) shows a two-fold higher current density than that of the pristine NFO in alkaline electrolytes. The OER enhancement of NFO is also observed at 1 T (NFO@1T) under an operando magnetic field. Our first-principles calculations further confirm the mechanism of magnetic field driven structure regulation and resultant OER enhancement. These findings provide a strategy of manipulating tetrahedral units of spinel oxides by a magnetic field on boosting OER performance.

Spinel structure of activated carbon supported MFe2O4 composites as an economic and efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in neutral media

For more sustainability and marketing of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in wastewater treatment, the sluggish kinetics of cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and platinum scarcity (with its high cost) should be swept away. So, this work aimed to synthesize metal ferrite (MFe2O4; M = Mn, Cu, and Ni) -based activated carbon composites as inexpensive ORR cathode catalysts. The composites were synthesized using a facile modified co-precipitation approach with low-thermal treatment and labeled as MnFe2O4/AC, CuFe2O4/AC, and NiFe2O4/AC. The as-synthesized catalysts are physicochemically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and electron spin resonance (ESR). The electrochemical catalytic performance toward ORR was studied in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at neutral media via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). MnFe2O4/AC has the highest onset potential (Eonset) value of − 0.223 V compared to CuFe2O4/AC (− 0.280 V) and NiFe2O4/AC (− 0.270 V). MnFe2O4/AC also has the highest kinetic current density (jK) and lowest Tafel slope (− 5 mA cm−2 and − 330 mV dec−1) compared to CuFe2O4/AC (− 3.05 mA cm−2 and − 577 mV dec−1) and NiFe2O4/AC (− 2.67 mA cm−2 and − 414 mV dec−1). The ORR catalyzed by MnFe2O4/AC at pH = 7 proceeds via a 4e− -kinetic pathway. The ESR is in good agreement with the electrochemical analysis due to the highest ∆Hppvalue for MnFe2O4/AC compared to CuFe2O4/AC and NiFe2O4/AC. Thus, MnFe2O4/AC is suggested as a promising alternative to Pt- electrocatalyst cathode for MFCs at neutral conditions.

Graphical Abstract

Porous spinel-type transition metal oxide nanostructures as emergent electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions

Porous spinel-type transition metal oxide (PS-TMO) nanocatalysts comprising two kinds of metal (denoted as A_xB_3-xO₄, where A, B = Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Fe, V, Sm, Li, and Zn) have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in energy conversion and storage systems (ECSS). This is due to the unique catalytic merits of PS-TMOs (such as p-type conductivity, optical transparency, semiconductivity, multiple valence states of their oxides, and rich active sites) and porous morphologies with great surface area, low density, abundant transportation paths for intermediate species, maximized atom utilization and quick charge mobility. In addition, PS-TMOs nanocatalysts are easily prepared in high yield from Earth-abundant and inexpensive metal precursors that meet sustainability requirements and practical applications. Owing to the continued developments in the rational synthesis of PS-TMOs nanocatalysts for ORRs, it is utterly imperative to provide timely updates and highlight new advances in this research area. This review emphasizes recent research advances in engineering the morphologies and compositions of PS-TMOs nanocatalysts in addition to their mechanisms, to decipher their structure-activity relationships. Also, the ORR mechanisms and fundamentals are discussed, along with the current barriers and future outlook for developing the next generation of PS-TMOs nanocatalysts for large-scale ECSS.

Mechanisms of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction on NiFe2O4 and CoFe2O4 Inverse-Spinel Oxides

Spinel ferrites, especially Nickel ferrite, NiFe₂O₄, and Cobalt ferrite, CoFe₂O₄, are efficient and promising anode catalyst materials in the field of electrochemical water splitting. Using density functional theory, we extensively investigate and quantitatively model the mechanism and energetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the (001) facets of their inverse-spinel structure, thought as the most abundant orientations under reaction conditions. We catalogue a wide set of intermediates and mechanistic pathways, including the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) and adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM), along with critical (rate-determining) O–O bond formation barriers and transition-state structures. In the case of NiFe₂O₄, we predict a Fe-site-assisted LOM pathway as the preferred OER mechanism, with a barrier (ΔG^⧧) of 0.84 eV at U = 1.63 V versus SHE and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.26 s^–1 at 0.40 V overpotential. In the case of CoFe₂O₄, we find that a Fe-site-assisted LOM pathway (ΔG^⧧ = 0.79 eV at U = 1.63 V vs SHE, TOF = 1.81 s^–1 at 0.40 V overpotential) and a Co-site-assisted AEM pathway (ΔG^⧧ = 0.79 eV at bias > U = 1.34 V vs SHE, TOF = 1.81 s^–1 at bias >1.34 V) could both play a role, suggesting a coexistence of active sites, in keeping with experimental observations. The computationally predicted turnover frequencies exhibit a fair agreement with experimentally reported data and suggest CoFe₂O₄ as a more promising OER catalyst than NiFe₂O₄ in the pristine case, especially for the Co-site-assisted OER pathway, and may offer a basis for further progress and optimization.

Preconstructing Asymmetric Interface in Air Cathodes for High-Performance Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries afford great potential toward next-generation sustainable energy storage. Nevertheless, the oxygen redox reactions at the air cathode are highly sluggish in kinetics to induce poor energy efficiency and limited cycling lifespan. Air cathodes with asymmetric configurations significantly promote the electrocatalytic efficiency of the loaded electrocatalysts, whereas rational synthetic methodology to effectively fabricate asymmetric air cathodes remains insufficient. Herein, a strategy of asymmetric interface preconstruction is proposed to fabricate asymmetric air cathodes for high-performance rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Concretely, the asymmetric interface is preconstructed by introducing immiscible organic-water diphases within the air cathode, at which the electrocatalysts are in situ formed to achieve an asymmetric configuration. The as-fabricated asymmetric air cathodes realize high working rates of 50 mA cm^-2 , long cycling stability of 3400 cycles at 10 mA cm^-2 , and over 100 cycles under harsh conditions of 25 mA cm^-2 and 25 mAh cm^-2 . Moreover, the asymmetric interface preconstruction strategy is universal to many electrocatalytic systems and can be easily scaled up. This work provides an effective strategy toward advanced asymmetric air cathodes with high electrocatalytic efficiency and significantly promotes the performance of rechargeable zinc-air batteries.

Magnetized manganese-doped watermelon rind biochar as a novel low-cost catalyst for improving oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising equipment for water treatment and power generation. The catalyst used in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode is a critical factor for efficacy of MFCs. Therefore, it is important to develop cost-effective cathode catalysts to enhance application of MFCs. In the current study, a novel cathode catalyst was developed, which was annealed with watermelon rind as raw material and transition metals including iron, and manganese were introduced. The 700Mn/Fe@WRC catalyst, which was annealed at 700 °C, exhibited excellent electrochemical performance. The high relative content of pyridine nitrogen caused by the inherent nitrogen element of the watermelon rind and the high content of iron and manganese elements introduced resulted in increase in electrochemical surface area to 657.6 m²/g. The number of electrons transferred ORR was 3.96, indicating that ORR occurs through a four-electron pathway. The maximum power density of MFCs was 399.3 ± 7.4 mW/m² with a fitting total internal resistance of 15.242 Ω, and the removal efficiency of COD was 97.1 ± 1.2%. The cost of the 700Mn/Fe@WRC catalyst was approximately 0.15 $/g, which is significantly lower compared with Pt/C (33.0 $/g). Experimental verification showed that the 700Mn/Fe@WRC prepared using the economical watermelon rind biochar (WRC) is an excellent substitute for non-precious metal catalysts used in MFCs.

Mesoporous Mn-Fe oxyhydroxides for oxygen evolution

Development of high-performance and earth-abundant catalysts is imperative for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and mesoporous oxyhydroxides show huge potential as advanced catalysts toward OER due to large specific surface...

Molten-salt-assisted synthesis of onion-like Co/CoO@FeNC materials with boosting reversible oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn-air battery

A melt-salt-assisted method is utilized to construct an onion-like hybrid with Co/CoO nanoparticles embedded in graphitic Fe-N-doped carbon shells (Co/CoO@FeNC) as a bifunctional electrocatalyst. The iron-polypyrrole (Fe-PPy) is firstly prepared with a reverse emulsion. Direct pyrolysis of Fe-PPy yields turbostratic Fe-N-doped carbon (FeNC) with excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis, while the melt salt (CoCl₂) mediated pyrolysis of Fe-PPy obtains onion-like Co/CoO@FeNC with a reversible overvoltage value of 0.695 V, largely superior to Pt/C and IrO₂ (0.771 V) and other Co-based catalysts reported so far. The ORR activity is mainly due to the graphitic FeNC and further enhanced by CoN_x bonds, whereas the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity is principally due to the Co/CoO composite. Concurrently, Co/CoO@FeNC as cathode catalyst enables Zn-air battery with a high open circuit voltage of 1.42 V, a peak power density of 132.8 mW cm^-2, a specific capacity of 813 mAh g_Zn^-1, and long-term stability.

Nanoporous manganese ferrite films by anodising electroplated Fe-Mn alloys for bifunctional oxygen electrodes

An electroplating-anodising method based on a facile and scalable electrochemical process was used to fabricate manganese ferrite porous oxide films for use as precious-metal-free oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) electrodes. Porous oxide films of spinel manganese ferrites (Mn_xFe_3-xO₄) were formed on electroplated Fe-Mn films. The Mn_xFe_3-xO₄ porous oxide formed on microcracks in the Fe-Mn films constituted a nanoporous/microcrack hierarchical structure (NP/MC), which provided a large electrode surface area for ORR/OER. The electrochemically active surface area of the NP/MC on Fe-36 at% Mn was 33.3 cm², which is nine times that of the nanoporous structure on Fe (3.67 cm²). The onset potential of the NP/MC on Fe-15 at% Mn and Fe-36 at% Mn was 0.88 V vs. RHE (overpotential, ∼350 mV) for the ORR at -0.1 mA cm^-2. The OER onset potentials at 10 mA cm^-2 were 1.79 V on Fe-15 at% Mn (∼560 mV) and 1.74 V on Fe-36 at% Mn (∼510 mV). The OER and ORR activities of the Mn_xFe_3-xO₄ porous oxides are better than those of spinel iron oxide (∼510 and ∼640 mV for the ORR and OER, respectively) because of the good intrinsic activity of Mn_xFe_3-xO₄ and greater surface area of the NP/MC. The ORR activities of the Mn_xFe_3-xO₄ porous oxides decreased to about 30% during ORR durability testing for 7.5 h, and the same level of activity was retained after 24 h of use. The Mn_xFe_3-xO₄ porous oxides retained a high level of activity during OER durability testing for 8 h.

Towards the Hydrogen Economy—A Review of the Parameters That Influence the Efficiency of Alkaline Water Electrolyzers

Environmental issues make the quest for better and cleaner energy sources a priority. Worldwide, researchers and companies are continuously working on this matter, taking one of two approaches: either finding new energy sources or improving the efficiency of existing ones. Hydrogen is a well-known energy carrier due to its high energy content, but a somewhat elusive one for being a gas with low molecular weight. This review examines the current electrolysis processes for obtaining hydrogen, with an emphasis on alkaline water electrolysis. This process is far from being new, but research shows that there is still plenty of room for improvement. The efficiency of an electrolyzer mainly relates to the overpotential and resistances in the cell. This work shows that the path to better electrolyzer efficiency is through the optimization of the cell components and operating conditions. Following a brief introduction to the thermodynamics and kinetics of water electrolysis, the most recent developments on several parameters (e.g., electrocatalysts, electrolyte composition, separator, interelectrode distance) are highlighted.

Self-assembled mesostructured Co0.5Fe2.5O4 nanoparticle superstructures for highly efficient oxygen evolution

Self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) into well-defined superstructures has been recognized as one of the most promising ways to fabricate rationally-designed functional materials for a variety of applications. Introducing hierarchical mesoporosity into NP superstructures will facilitate mass transport while simultaneously enhancing the accessibility of constituent NPs, which is of critical importance for widening their applications in catalysis and energy-related fields. Herein, we develop a colloidal co-assembly strategy to construct mesostructured, carbon-coated Co_0.5Fe_2.5O₄ NP superstructures (M-C@CFOSs), which show great promise as highly efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Specifically, organically-stabilized SiO₂ NPs are employed as both building blocks and sacrificial template, which co-assemble with Co_0.5Fe_2.5O₄ NPs to afford binary NP superstructures through a solvent drying process. M-C@CFOSs are obtainable after in situ ligand carbonization followed by the selective removal of SiO₂ NPs. The hierarchical mesoporous structure of M-C@CFOSs, combined with the conformal graphitic carbon coating derived from the native organic ligands, significantly improves their electrocatalytic performance as OER electrocatalysts when compared with nonporous Co_0.5Fe_2.5O₄ NP superstructures. This work establishes a new and facile approach for designing NP superstructures with hierarchical mesoporosity, which may find wide applications in energy storage and conversion.

Synthesis of Lattice-Contracted Cobalt Disulfide as an Outstanding Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalyst via Self-assembly Arrangement

Identifying high-performance non-precious metal-based catalysts at the cathode is a major challenge for future practical applications. Herein, a soft-template route through a self-assembly arrangement of sulfur sources was successfully developed, facilitating the anion exchange. In addition, compared with pristine cobalt disulfide synthesized without templates, the cobalt disulfide prepared using the new method presented a lattice shrinking phenomenon due to the hindrance of cobalt hydroxide crystal cell. Based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, increased occupancy of e_g orbitals was verified for the cobalt disulfide after shrinkage, which was the main factor for enhancing the intrinsic activity of the catalyst. Besides the microscopic morphologic structure, elementary composition, and the valence state of the elements, the possible growth process of the cobalt disulfide was also discussed in detail. As catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction, CoS₂ showed a similar half-wave potential (0.81 vs. 0.84 V for Pt/C) and higher diffusion-limiting current density (reaching 5.33 vs. 5.19 mA cm^-2 for Pt/C) than a commercial Pt/C catalyst. Hence, our results provide a rational design direction for this type of catalysts.

Recent advances of noble-metal-free bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution electrocatalysts

Bifunctional oxygen reduction and evolution constitute the core processes for sustainable energy storage. The advances on noble-metal-free bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts are reviewed.

Regulating the Coordination of Co sites in Co3 O4 /MnO2 Compounding for Facilitated Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Binary transition metal oxides as a promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst have received significant attention. However, their exact reaction mechanisms are often too complex to be discussed. Herein, novel Co-Mn composites with a well-defined nanostructure were developed for understanding the role of each component. The growth pattern of cobalt oxide and the effects of the coordination environment of Co sites during growth on the overall activity were investigated. Based on experimental and density functional theory studies, it was found that the decaying coordination number directly affected the expression of crystal planes of cobalt oxide, which further had a great influence upon limiting current density of Co-Mn catalysts. The cuboid-Co/Mn catalyst exhibited outstanding limiting current density and showed good stability, related to more highly active (110) planes exposed in Co₃ O₄ . These provided many references for the preparation of related nonprecious catalysts in various domains.

Recent Progress on NiFe-Based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The seriousness of the energy crisis and the environmental impact of global anthropogenic activities have led to an urgent need to develop efficient and green fuels. Hydrogen, as a promising alternative resource that is produced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner by a water splitting reaction, has attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, the large-scale application of water splitting devices is hindered predominantly by the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Therefore, the design and exploration of high-performing OER electrocatalysts is a critical objective. Considering their low prices, abundant reserves, and intrinsic activities, NiFe-based bimetal compounds are widely studied as excellent OER electrocatalysts. Moreover, recent progress on NiFe-based OER electrocatalysts in alkaline environments is comprehensively and systematically introduced through various catalyst families including NiFe-layered hydroxides, metal-organic frameworks, NiFe-based (oxy)hydroxides, NiFe-based oxides, NiFe alloys, and NiFe-based nonoxides. This review briefly introduces the advanced NiFe-based OER materials and their corresponding reaction mechanisms. Finally, the challenges inherent to and possible strategies for producing extraordinary NiFe-based electrocatalysts are discussed.

Hollow Porous MnFe2 O4 Sphere Grown on Elm-Money-Derived Biochar towards Energy-Saving Full Water Electrolysis

The development of inexpensive and efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts is significant for widespread practical applications of overall water splitting technology. Herein, a one-pot solvothermal method is used to prepare hollow porous MnFe₂ O₄ spheres, which are grown on natural-abundant elm-money-derived biochar material to construct MnFe₂ O₄ /BC composite. When the overpotential is 156 mV for both the oxygen evolution reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction, the current density reaches up to 10 mA cm^-2 , and its duration is 10 h. At 1.51 V, the overall water decomposition current density of 10 mA cm^-2 can be obtained in 1 m KOH. This work proves that elm-money-derived biochar is a valid substrate for growing hollow porous spheres. MnFe₂ O₄ /BC give a promising general strategy for preparing the effective and stable bifunctional catalysis that can be expand to multiple transition metal oxide.

Bifunctional Catalysts for Reversible Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Metal-air batteries (MABs) and reversible fuel cells (RFCs) rely on the bifunctional oxygen catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Finding efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysts is the ultimate goal and it has attracted a great deal of attention. The dilemma is that a good ORR catalyst is not necessarily efficient for OER, and vice versa. Thus, the development of a new type of bifunctional oxygen catalysts should ensure that the catalysts exhibit high activity for both OER and ORR. Composites with multicomponents for active centers supported on highly conductive matrices could be able to meet the challenges and offering new opportunities. In this Review, the evolution of bifunctional catalysts is summarized and discussed aiming to deliver high-performance bifunctional catalysts with low overpotentials.

Rational design of marigold-shaped composite Ni3V2O8 flowers: a promising catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction

Ni₃V₂O₈ flowers designed by the thermal decay of molecular precursors show excellent OER activity with an overpotential of 328 mV.

Porous N-Doped Carbon-Encapsulated CoNi Alloy Nanoparticles Derived from MOFs as Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts

A porous N-doped carbon-encapsulated CoNi alloy nanoparticle composite (CoNi@N-C) was prepared using a bimetallic metal-organic framework composite as the precursor. The optimal prepared Co₁Ni₁@N-C material at 800 °C exhibited well-defined porosities, uniform CoNi alloy nanoparticle dispersion, a high doped-N level, and scattered CoNi-N _x active sites, therefore affording excellent oxygen catalytic activities toward the reduction and evolution processes of oxygen. The oxygen reduction (ORR) onset potential ( E_onset) on Co₁Ni₁@N-C was 0.91 V and the half-wave potential ( E_1/2) was 0.82 V, very close to the parameters recorded on the Pt/C (20 wt Pt%) benchmark. Moreover, it is worth noting that the ORR stability of Co₁Ni₁@N-C was prominently higher than that of Pt/C. Under the oxygen evolution reaction condition, Co₁Ni₁@N-C generated the maximum current density at the potential of 1.7 V (8.60 mA cm^-2) and the earliest E_onset (1.35 V) among all Co _xNi _y@N-C hybrids. The Co₁Ni₁@N-C catalyst exhibited the smallest Δ E value, confirming the superior bifunctional activity. The high surface area and porosity, and CoNi-N _x active sites on the carbon surface including the proper interactions between the N-doped C shell and CoNi nanoparticles were attributed as the main contributors to the outstanding oxygen electrocatalytic property and good stability.

Self-supported nickel iron oxide nanospindles with high hydrophilicity for efficient oxygen evolution

Highly hydrophilic NiFe₂O₄ nanospindle arrays are directly grown on FeNi₃ foam through a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction, achieving improved activity and excellent durability as an integrated catalytic electrode for oxygen evolution reaction.

Mesoporous Hollow Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanospheres with Embedded MnFe2O4/Fe Hybrid Nanoparticles as Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts in Alkaline Media

Exploring sustainable and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is necessary for the development of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Herein, we report a bimetal Fe/Mn-N-C material composed of spinel MnFe₂O₄/metallic Fe hybrid nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped mesoporous hollow carbon nanospheres as an excellent bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalyst in alkaline electrolyte. The Fe/Mn-N-C catalyst is synthesized via pyrolysis of bimetal ion-incorporated polydopamine nanospheres and shows impressive ORR electrocatalytic activity superior to Pt/C and good OER activity close to RuO₂ catalyst in alkaline environment. When tested in Zn-air battery, the Fe/Mn-N-C catalyst demonstrates excellent ultimate performance including power density, durability, and cycling. This work reports the bimetal Fe/Mn-N-C as a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst and may afford useful insights into the design of sustainable transition-metal-based high-performance electrocatalysts.

Fe–Mn bimetallic oxides-catalyzed oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells

Two Fe–Mn bimetallic oxides were synthesized through a facile solvothermal method without using any templates. Fe₂O₃/Mn₂O₃ is made up of Fe₂O₃ and Mn₂O₃ as confirmed via XRD. TEM and HRTEM observations show Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on the Mn₂O₃ substrate and a distinct heterojunction boundary between Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and Mn₂O₃ substrate. MnFe₂O₄ as a pure phase sample was also prepared and investigated in this study. The current densities in CV tests were normalized to their corresponding surface area to exclude the effect of their specific surface area. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) were equipped with bimetallic oxides as cathode catalyst, PtRu/C as the anode catalyst and PFM as the electrolyte film. CV and DMFC tests show that Fe₂O₃/Mn₂O₃(3 : 1) exhibits higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity than Fe₂O₃/Mn₂O₃(1 : 1), Fe₂O₃/Mn₂O₃(1 : 3), Fe₂O₃/Mn₂O₃(5 : 1) and MnFe₂O₄. The much superior catalytic performance is due to its larger surface area, the existence of numerous heterojunction interfaces and the synergistic effect between Fe₂O₃ and Mn₂O₃, which can provide numerous catalytic active sites, accelerate mass transfer, and increase ORR efficiency.

Heterojunction interfaces and synergistic effect between Fe₂O₃ and Mn₂O₃ play a key role in Fe₂O₃/Mn₂O₃-catalyzed ORR.