1
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Verhage M, Broek SJV, Weijtens C, Flipse CFJ. Oxygen Vacancies Can Drive Surface Transformation of High-Entropy Perovskite Oxide for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction as Probed with Scanning Probe Microscopy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2025; 17:23237-23248. [PMID: 40178888 PMCID: PMC12012691 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c22352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2025] [Accepted: 03/23/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025]
Abstract
Epitaxial transition-metal oxide perovskite catalysts form a highly active catalyst class for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Understanding the origin of chemical dissolution and surface transformations during the OER is important to rationally design effective catalyst. These changes arise from complex interactions involving dynamic restructuring and electronic/structural adaptations. Although initial instability is common, surfaces can reach equilibrium through chemical transformations. High entropy perovskite oxides (HEPOs), which incorporate multiple 3d metal cations in near-equimolar ratios, have emerged as promising catalysts due to their enhanced OER activity compared to single-cation variants, attributed to their high configurational entropy and compositional flexibility. To advance HEPO catalyst applications, understanding the mechanisms governing their surface (in)stability is important. In this work, we examine surface degradation in epitaxial La(Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni)O3-δ thin films before and after OER using complementary scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). STM reveals tip-induced degradation of as-grown films under positive bias, attributed to oxygen anion removal and charge trapping-induced lattice degradation, demonstrating its utility as a probe for surface stability dynamics. Post-OER XPS analysis shows irreversible surface transformations from the initial epitaxial phase, characterized by 3d-metal leaching and formation of La and d-metal (oxy)hydroxides. Our findings indicate that oxygen vacancies and lattice strain trigger structural breakdown in these multi-cation perovskite surfaces during the OER, leading to surface restructuring and diminished catalytic performance compared to the as-grown epitaxial HEPO phase. This work identifies oxygen leaching as the likely primary driver of surface transformation during the OER. We show that STM offers an important tool to probe the transformation even before operando conditions, which can find use in similar material studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Verhage
- Molecular Materials and Nanosystems
(M2N), Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Stijn J.H.M. van
den Broek
- Molecular Materials and Nanosystems
(M2N), Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Christ Weijtens
- Molecular Materials and Nanosystems
(M2N), Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis F. J. Flipse
- Molecular Materials and Nanosystems
(M2N), Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, the Netherlands
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2
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Hu Y, Wei L, Chen H, Xu Z, Shavorskiy A, Baeumer C, Lu Q. Quantifying Dynamic Changes of Oxygen Nonstoichiometry and Formation of Surface Phases of SrCoO x Electrocatalysts by Operando Characterizations. ACS NANO 2025; 19:13999-14009. [PMID: 40189847 PMCID: PMC12023024 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c18105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025]
Abstract
Perovskite electrocatalysts like strontium cobaltite (SrCoOx, denoted as SCO) experience dynamic changes in both surface and bulk during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), rather than remaining static. This dynamic, electrochemically driven evolution in composition, structure, and ionic defects (e.g., oxygen vacancies) can strongly impact the OER activity and stability. Yet, the current lack of quantitative information on these processes impedes a precise and predictive evaluation of the individual and combined effect of both bulk and surface transformations. Here, using epitaxial SCO thin films as a model system, we demonstrate that SCO is a bulk and surface redox-active OER electrocatalyst that undergoes a bulk phase transition via electrochemically induced oxygen intercalation, as well as a surface phase transition toward Co (oxy-)hydroxide. Specifically, applying a suite of operando and ex situ characterization we established a reliable relationship between oxygen nonstoichiometry, optical density, and conductivity as a function of applied potentials. We further accurately quantify the evolution of oxygen stoichiometry in the SCO bulk and the thickness of the formed surface secondary phase. Our work provides a reliable and generalizable workflow and operando characterization toolbox for quantitative assessment of surface and bulk transformations in oxygen-deficient perovskite electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China
- School
of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Luhan Wei
- School
of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Haowen Chen
- School
of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- School
of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | | | - Christoph Baeumer
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede 7500AE, The Netherlands
- Peter
Gruenberg Institute and JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum
Juelich GmbH, Juelich 52425, Germany
| | - Qiyang Lu
- School
of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- Research
Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake
University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
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3
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Ruddy DA, Habas SE, Brutchey RL. A Note to Reviewers Suggesting Post-reaction Catalyst Characterization: Know What You're Asking For. Inorg Chem 2025; 64:3627-3630. [PMID: 40025996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5c00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2025]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Ruddy
- Catalytic Carbon Transformation & Scale-up Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Pkwy, MS 3313, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Susan E Habas
- Catalytic Carbon Transformation & Scale-up Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Pkwy, MS 3313, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Richard L Brutchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, 840 Downey Way, LJS 260, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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4
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Zhou W, Xu F, Tan J, Liu Z, Zhang G, Xu Z, Lyu Y, Jin W. An Angstrom-Scale Protective Skin Grown In Situ on Perovskite Oxide to Enhance Stability in Water. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2025; 64:e202417360. [PMID: 39375855 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202417360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 10/05/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
The utilization of perovskite oxide as a catalyst for aqueous reactions is promising but challenging in stability. Here, we propose an in situ growth strategy that constructs an ultrathin protective skin on the Sr0.9Fe0.81Ta0.09Ni0.1O3-δ perovskite surface and thus effectively solves the stability issue. Using a spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope, we observe the coexistence of an angstrom-scale (~7 Å) Fe2O3 protective skin and FeNi alloy nanoparticles. A number of alloy nanoparticles grow along with the skin and uniformly take root on the skin surface. Such a hierarchical structure can reconstruct the surface electronic structure and suppress the ion leaching of perovskite oxide in water. Benefiting from this unique structure, the catalyst has experienced a substantial increase (800 h, more than three orders of magnitude) in its stable operation time in water (for example, in a hydrogen evolution reaction). These results provide valuable insight into solid-solid phase transitions and have substantial implications for using structural defects at surfaces to modulate mass transport and transformation kinetics. Our strategy is sufficiently simple and can be used to subtly manipulate the catalyst structures to improve the performance of perovskite-based catalysts and potentially other oxide catalysts for a wide range of reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanglin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road(S), Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Fang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road(S), Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Jinkun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road(S), Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Zhengkun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road(S), Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Guangru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road(S), Nanjing, 211816, PR China
- Suzhou Laboratory, Suzhou, 215125, PR China
| | - Zhi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yinong Lyu
- The State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road(S), Nanjing, 211816, PR China
| | - Wanqin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road(S), Nanjing, 211816, PR China
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5
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Hartnett AC, Evenson RJ, Thorarinsdottir AE, Veroneau SS, Nocera DG. Lanthanum-Promoted Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Unique Catalyst or Oxide Deconstruction? J Am Chem Soc 2025; 147:1123-1133. [PMID: 39702923 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c14696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2024]
Abstract
A conventional performance metric for electrocatalysts that promote the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the current density at a given overpotential. However, the assumption that increased current density at lower overpotentials indicates superior catalyst design is precarious for OER catalysts in the working environment, as the crystalline lattice is prone to deconstruction and amorphization, thus greatly increasing the concentration of catalytic active sites. We show this to be the case for La3+ incorporation into Co3O4. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveal smaller domain sizes with decreased long-range order and increased amorphization for La-modified Co3O4. This lattice deconstruction is exacerbated under the conditions of OER as indicated by operando spectroscopies. The overpotential for OER decreases with increasing La3+ concentration, with maximum activity achieved at 17% La incorporation. HRTEM images and electron diffraction patterns clearly show the formation of an amorphous overlayer during OER catalysis that is accelerated with La3+ addition. O 1s XPS spectra after OER show the loss of lattice-oxide and an increase in peak intensities associated with hydroxylated or defective O-atom environments, consistent with Co(O)x(OH)y species in an amorphous overlayer. Our results suggest that improved catalytic activity of oxides incorporated with La3+ ions (and likely other metal ions) is due to an increase in the number of terminal octahedral Co(O)x(OH)y edge sites upon Co3O4 lattice deconstruction, rather than enhanced intrinsic catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina C Hartnett
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Ryan J Evenson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Agnes E Thorarinsdottir
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Samuel S Veroneau
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Daniel G Nocera
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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6
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Varela‐Domínguez N, Claro MS, Vázquez‐Vázquez C, López‐Quintela MA, Rivadulla F. Electric-Field Control of the Local Thermal Conductivity in Charge Transfer Oxides. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2025; 37:e2413045. [PMID: 39533483 PMCID: PMC11756041 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202413045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2024] [Revised: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Phonons, the collective excitations responsible for heat transport in crystalline insulating solids, lack electric charge or magnetic moment, which complicates their active control via external fields. This presents a significant challenge in designing thermal equivalents of basic electronic circuit elements, such as transistors or diodes. Achieving these goals requires precise and reversible modification of thermal conductivity in materials. In this work, the continuous tuning of local thermal conductivity in charge-transfer SrFeO3-x and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-x oxides using a voltage-biased Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) tip at room temperature is demonstrated. This method allows the creation of micron-sized domains with well-defined thermal conductivity, achieving reductions of up to 50%, measured by spatially resolved Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance (FDTR). By optimizing the oxide's chemical composition, the thermal states remain stable under normal atmospheric conditions but can be reverted to their original values through thermal annealing in air. A comparison between Mott-Hubbard and charge-transfer oxides reveals the critical role of redox-active lattice oxygen in ensuring full reversibility of the process. This approach marks a significant step toward fabricating oxide-based tunable microthermal resistances and other elements for thermal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Varela‐Domínguez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS)Departamento de Química‐FísicaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela15782Spain
| | - Marcel S. Claro
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS)Departamento de Química‐FísicaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela15782Spain
| | - Carlos Vázquez‐Vázquez
- Instituto de Materiales (iMATUS)Departamento de Química‐FísicaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela15782Spain
| | - Manuel Arturo López‐Quintela
- Instituto de Materiales (iMATUS)Departamento de Química‐FísicaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela15782Spain
| | - Francisco Rivadulla
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS)Departamento de Química‐FísicaUniversidade de Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela15782Spain
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7
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Bornet A, Moreno-García P, Dutta A, Kong Y, Liechti M, Vesztergom S, Arenz M, Broekmann P. Disentangling the Pitfalls of Rotating Disk Electrode-Based OER Stability Assessment: Bubble Blockage or Substrate Passivation? ACS Catal 2024; 14:17331-17346. [PMID: 39664776 PMCID: PMC11629296 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.4c05447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Revised: 10/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024]
Abstract
Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst stability metrics derived from aqueous model systems (AMSs) prove valuable only if they are transferable to technical membrane electrode assembly (MEA) settings. Currently, there is consensus that stability data derived from ubiquitous rotating disk electrode (RDE)-based investigations substantially overestimate material degradation mainly due to the nonideal inertness of catalyst-backing electrode materials as well as bubble shielding of the catalyst by evolved oxygen. Despite the independently developed understanding of these two processes, their interplay and relative impact on intrinsic and operational material stability have not yet been established. Herein, we employ an inverted RDE-based approach coupled with online gas chromatographic quantification that exploits buoyancy and anode hydrophilicity existing under operating acidic OER conditions and excludes the influence of bubble retention on the surface of the catalyst. This approach thus allows us to dissect the degradation process occurring during the RDE-based OER stability studies. We demonstrate that the stability discrepancy between galvanostatic nanoparticle (NP)-based RDE and MEA data does not originate from the accumulation of bubbles in the catalyst layer during water oxidation but from the utilization of corrosion-prone substrate materials in the AMS. Moreover, we provide mechanistic insights into the degradation process and devise experimental measures to mitigate or circumvent RDE-related limitations when the technique is to be applied to an OER catalyst stability assessment. These findings should facilitate the transferability between AMS and MEA approaches and promote further development of the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Bornet
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Pavel Moreno-García
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Abhijit Dutta
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Ying Kong
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Mike Liechti
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Soma Vesztergom
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
- MTA-ELTE
Momentum Interfacial Electrochemistry Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter
sétány 1/A, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Matthias Arenz
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Peter Broekmann
- Department
of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern 3012, Switzerland
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8
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Varela-Domínguez N, Claro MS, Carbó-Argibay E, Magén C, Rivadulla F. Exploring Topochemical Oxidation Reactions for Reversible Tuning of Thermal Conductivity in Perovskite Fe Oxides. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:10249-10258. [PMID: 39464294 PMCID: PMC11500631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.4c02023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
We present a study on the reversibility of thermal conductivity in iron oxides through topochemical oxygen exchange between brownmillerite (BM) (Ca,Sr)FeO2.5 and perovskite (PV) (Ca,Sr)FeO3.0. By using different oxidation methods, including gas phase (O2/O3), liquid phase (NaOCl in H2O), and solid electrolyte (Y2O3:ZrO2), we demonstrate that the oxidation pathway has a critical influence on the reversibility of the ionic-exchange process. Cyclic oxidation and reduction using O2/O3 or NaOCl lead to an important accumulation of structural defects, undermining the reversibility of thermal conductivity. In the case of wet oxidation, we demonstrate an inherent tendency of negative charge-transfer oxides toward amorphization and elucidate the origin of this effect. Conversely, the electrochemical injection of the O2- ions via a Y2O3:ZrO2 solid electrolyte reduces structural damage significantly, enhancing both reversibility and durability. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate topochemical oxygen exchange methods to maintain structural integrity and optimize functional performance in oxide-based tunable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Varela-Domínguez
- Centro
Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica
e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química-Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago
de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marcel S. Claro
- Centro
Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica
e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química-Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago
de Compostela, Spain
| | - Enrique Carbó-Argibay
- International
Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - César Magén
- Instituto
de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Francisco Rivadulla
- Centro
Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica
e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química-Física, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago
de Compostela, Spain
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9
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Park CH, Lee H, Choi JS, Yun TG, Lim Y, Bae HB, Chung SY. Atomic-Level Observation of Potential-Dependent Variations at the Surface of an Oxide Catalyst during Oxygen Evolution Reaction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2403392. [PMID: 39011793 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the intricate details of the surface atomic structure and composition of catalysts during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for developing catalysts with high stability in water electrolyzers. While many notable studies highlight surface amorphization and reconstruction, systematic analytical tracing of the catalyst surface as a function of overpotential remains elusive. Heteroepitaxial (001) films of chemically stable and lattice-oxygen-inactive LaCoO3 are thus utilized as a model catalyst to demonstrate a series of atomic-resolution observations of the film surface at different anodic potentials. The first key finding is that atoms at the surface are fairly dynamic even at lower overpotentials. Angstrom-scale atomic displacements within the perovskite framework are identified below a certain potential level. Another noteworthy feature is that amorphization (or paracrystallization) with no long-range order is finally induced at higher overpotentials. In particular, surface analyses consistently support that the oxidation of lattice oxygen is coupled with amorphous phase formation at the high potentials. Theoretical calculations also reveal an upward shift of oxygen 2p states toward the Fermi level, indicating enhanced lattice oxygen activation when atom displacement occurs more extensively. This study emphasizes that the degradation behavior of OER catalysts can distinctively vary depending on the overpotential level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Hyun Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungdoh Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Choi
- KAIST Analysis Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Gyu Yun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghwan Lim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Bin Bae
- KAIST Analysis Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Yoon Chung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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10
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van Limpt RTM, Lao M, Tsampas MN, Creatore M. Unraveling the Role of the Stoichiometry of Atomic Layer Deposited Nickel Cobalt Oxides on the Oxygen Evolution Reaction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2405188. [PMID: 38958233 PMCID: PMC11348001 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nickel cobalt oxides (NCOs) are promising, non-precious oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. However, the stoichiometry-dependent electrochemical behavior makes it crucial to understand the structure-OER relationship. In this work, NCO thin film model systems are prepared using atomic layer deposition. In-depth film characterization shows the phase transition from Ni-rich rock-salt films to Co-rich spinel films. Electrochemical analysis in 1 m KOH reveals a synergistic effect between Co and Ni with optimal performance for the 30 at.% Co film after 500 CV cycles. Electrochemical activation correlates with film composition, specifically increasing activation is observed for more Ni-rich films as its bulk transitions to the active (oxy)hydroxide phase. In parallel to this transition, the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) increases up to a factor 8. Using an original approach, the changes in ECSA are decoupled from intrinsic OER activity, leading to the conclusion that 70 at.% Co spinel phase NCO films are intrinsically the most active. The studies point to a chemical composition dependent OER mechanism: Co-rich spinel films show instantly high activities, while the more sustainable Ni-rich rock-salt films require extended activation to increase the ECSA and OER performance. The results highlight the added value of working with model systems to disclose structure-performance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée T. M. van Limpt
- Department of Applied Physics and Science EducationEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBNetherlands
| | - Mengmeng Lao
- Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER)Eindhoven5600 HHNetherlands
| | - Mihalis N. Tsampas
- Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER)Eindhoven5600 HHNetherlands
| | - Mariadriana Creatore
- Department of Applied Physics and Science EducationEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBNetherlands
- Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES)Eindhoven5600 MBNetherlands
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11
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Yang S, Chen XM, Shao T, Wei Z, Chen ZN, Cao R, Cao M. Engineering highly selective CO 2 electroreduction in Cu-based perovskites through A-site cation manipulation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:17769-17776. [PMID: 38873788 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00845f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Perovskites exhibit considerable potential as catalysts for various applications, yet their performance modulation in the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) remains underexplored. In this study, we report a strategy to enhance the electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction activity via Ce-doped La2CuO4 (LCCO) and Sr-doped La2CuO4 (LSCO) perovskite oxides. Specifically, compared to pure phase La2CuO4 (LCO), the Faraday efficiency (FE) for CH4 of LCCO at -1.4 V vs. RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode) is improved from 38.9% to 59.4%, and the FECO2RR of LSCO increased from 68.8% to 85.4%. In situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy spectra results indicate that the doping of A-site ions promotes the formation of *CHO and *HCOO, which are key intermediates in the production of CH4, compared to the pristine La2CuO4. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and double-layer capacitance (Cdl) outcomes reveal that heteroatom-doped perovskites exhibit more oxygen vacancies and higher electrochemical active surface areas, leading to a significant improvement in the CO2RR performance of the catalysts. This study systematically investigates the effect of A-site ion doping on the catalytic activity center Cu and proposes a strategy to improve the catalytic performance of perovskite oxides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaibing Yang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao-Min Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China.
| | - Tao Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China.
| | - Zongnan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China.
| | - Zhe-Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Rong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Minna Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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12
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Li M, Qi J, Zeng H, Chen J, Liu Z, Gu L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Wang M, Zhang Y, Lu X, Yang C. Structural impacts on the degradation behaviors of Ir-based electrocatalysts during water oxidation in acid. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 674:108-117. [PMID: 38917711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Large-scale hydrogen production by electrocatalytic water splitting still remains as a critical challenge due to the severe catalyst degradation during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media. In this study, we investigate the structural impacts on catalyst degradation behaviors using three iridium-based oxides, namely SrIrO3, Sr2IrO4, and Sr4IrO6 as model catalysts. These Ir oxides possess different connection configurations of [IrO6] octahedra units in their structure. Stable OER performance is observed on SrIrO3 and attributed to the edge-linked [IrO6] structure and rapid formation of a continuous IrOx layer on its surface, which functions not only as the "real" catalyst but also a shield preventing continuous cation leaching (with <1.0 at.% of Ir leaching). In comparison, both Sr2IrO4 and Sr4IrO6 catalysts demonstrate quick current fading with structure transformation to rutile IrO2 and formation of inconducive SrSO4 precipitates on surface, blocking the reactive sites. Nevertheless, over 60 at.% of Ir leaching is detected from the Sr4IrO6 catalyst due to its isolated [IrO6] structure configuration. Results of this work highlight the structural impacts on the catalyst stability in acidic OER conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxian Li
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jun Qi
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, China
| | - Huiyan Zeng
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhongfei Liu
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Long Gu
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jianwen Wang
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Institute of Advanced Science Facilities, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Xiaoying Lu
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chunzhen Yang
- School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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13
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Yang M, Pártay LB, Wexler RB. Surface phase diagrams from nested sampling. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:13862-13874. [PMID: 38659377 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00050a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Studies in atomic-scale modeling of surface phase equilibria often focus on temperatures near zero Kelvin due to the challenges in calculating the free energy of surfaces at finite temperatures. The Bayesian-inference-based nested sampling (NS) algorithm allows for modeling phase equilibria at arbitrary temperatures by directly and efficiently calculating the partition function, whose relationship with free energy is well known. This work extends NS to calculate adsorbate phase diagrams, incorporating all relevant configurational contributions to the free energy. We apply NS to the adsorption of Lennard-Jones (LJ) gas particles on low-index and vicinal LJ solid surfaces and construct the canonical partition function from these recorded energies to calculate ensemble averages of thermodynamic properties, such as the constant-volume heat capacity and order parameters that characterize the structure of adsorbate phases. Key results include determining the nature of phase transitions of adsorbed LJ particles on flat and stepped LJ surfaces, which typically feature an enthalpy-driven condensation at higher temperatures and an entropy-driven reordering process at lower temperatures, and the effect of surface geometry on the presence of triple points in the phase diagrams. Overall, we demonstrate the ability and potential of NS for surface modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrui Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
| | - Livia B Pártay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Robert B Wexler
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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14
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Cheraparambil H, Vega-Paredes M, Scheu C, Weidenthaler C. Unraveling the Evolution of Dynamic Active Sites of LaNi xFe 1-xO 3 Catalysts During OER. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:21997-22006. [PMID: 38647135 PMCID: PMC11071036 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Perovskites have attracted tremendous attention as potential catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It is well-known that the introduction of Fe into rare earth perovskites such as LaNiO3 enhances the intrinsic OER activity. Despite numerous studies on structure-property relationships, the origin of the activity and the nature of the active species are still elusive and unclear. In this work, we study a series of LaNixFe1-xO3 perovskites using in situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy to decipher the surface evolution and formation of active species during OER. While the origin of the activity arises from NiOOH species formed from the active Ni centers in LaNiO3, our work shows that Fe serves as the active center in LaNi0.5Fe0.5O3 and forms Fe-O-Ni and FeOOH species during OER. The OER activity of LaFeO3 originates from FeOOH species, which interact with the soluble Ni species in the electrolyte forming an active electrode-electrolyte interface with high-valent stable surface iron species (Fe4+) and thereby improving the performance. Our work provides deeper insights into the synergistic effects of Ni and Fe on the catalytic activity, which in turn provides new design principles for perovskite catalysts for the OER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haritha Cheraparambil
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45470, Germany
| | - Miquel Vega-Paredes
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Christina Scheu
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf 40237, Germany
| | - Claudia Weidenthaler
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45470, Germany
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15
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Wu YH, Janák M, Abdala PM, Borca CN, Wach A, Kierzkowska A, Donat F, Huthwelker T, Kuznetsov DA, Müller CR. Probing Surface Transformations of Lanthanum Nickelate Electrocatalysts during Oxygen Evolution Reaction. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:11887-11896. [PMID: 38529556 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring the spontaneous reconstruction of the surface of metal oxides under electrocatalytic reaction conditions is critical to identifying the active sites and establishing structure-activity relationships. Here, we report on a self-terminated surface reconstruction of Ruddlesden-Popper lanthanum nickel oxide (La2NiO4+δ) that occurs spontaneously during reaction with alkaline electrolyte species. Using a combination of high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM), surface-sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS), as well as electrochemical techniques, we identify the structure of the reconstructed surface layer as an amorphous (oxy)hydroxide phase that features abundant under-coordinated nickel sites. No further amorphization of the crystalline oxide lattice (beyond the ∼2 nm thick layer formed) was observed during oxygen evolution reaction (OER) cycling experiments. Notably, the formation of the reconstructed surface layer increases the material's oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity by a factor of 45 when compared to that of the pristine crystalline surface. In contrast, a related perovskite phase, i.e., LaNiO3, did not show noticeable surface reconstruction, and also no increase in its OER activity was observed. This work provides detailed insight into a surface reconstruction behavior dictated by the crystal structure of the parent oxide and highlights the importance of surface dynamics under reaction conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Janák
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Paula M Abdala
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Wach
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
- SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, 30-392 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kierzkowska
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Donat
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Huthwelker
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Denis A Kuznetsov
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph R Müller
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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16
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Che Q, van den Bosch ICG, Le PTP, Lazemi M, van der Minne E, Birkhölzer YA, Nunnenkamp M, Peerlings MLJ, Safonova OV, Nachtegaal M, Koster G, Baeumer C, de Jongh P, de Groot FMF. In Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of LaFeO 3 and LaFeO 3/LaNiO 3 Thin Films in the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2024; 128:5515-5523. [PMID: 38595773 PMCID: PMC11000219 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c07864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
We study the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction using in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to track the dynamics of the valence state and the covalence of the metal ions of LaFeO3 and LaFeO3/LaNiO3 thin films. The active materials are 8 unit cells grown epitaxially on 100 nm conductive La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 layers using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The perovskite layers are supported on monolayer Ca2Nb3O10 nanosheet-buffered 100 nm SiNx membranes. The in situ Fe and Ni K-edges XAS spectra were measured from the backside of the SiNx membrane using fluorescence yield detection under electrocatalytic reaction conditions. The XAS spectra show significant spectral changes, which indicate that (1) the metal (co)valencies increase, and (2) the number of 3d electrons remains constant with applied potential. We find that the whole 8 unit cells react to the potential changes, including the buried LaNiO3 film.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijun Che
- Materials
Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | | | - Phu T. P. Le
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Masoud Lazemi
- Materials
Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Emma van der Minne
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Yorick A. Birkhölzer
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Moritz Nunnenkamp
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Matt L. J. Peerlings
- Materials
Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Gertjan Koster
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Baeumer
- MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Petra de Jongh
- Materials
Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Frank M. F. de Groot
- Materials
Chemistry and Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
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17
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Do VH, Lee JM. Surface engineering for stable electrocatalysis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:2693-2737. [PMID: 38318782 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00292f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, significant progress has been achieved in rational developments of electrocatalysts through constructing novel atomistic structures and modulating catalytic surface topography, realizing substantial enhancement in electrocatalytic activities. Numerous advanced catalysts were developed for electrochemical energy conversion, exhibiting low overpotential, high intrinsic activity, and selectivity. Yet, maintaining the high catalytic performance under working conditions with high polarization and vigorous microkinetics that induce intensive degradation of surface nanostructures presents a significant challenge for commercial applications. Recently, advanced operando and computational techniques have provided comprehensive mechanistic insights into the degradation of surficial functional structures. Additionally, various innovative strategies have been devised and proven effective in sustaining electrocatalytic activity under harsh operating conditions. This review aims to discuss the most recent understanding of the degradation microkinetics of catalysts across an entire range of anodic to cathodic polarizations, encompassing processes such as oxygen evolution and reduction, hydrogen reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Subsequently, innovative strategies adopted to stabilize the materials' structure and activity are highlighted with an in-depth discussion of the underlying rationale. Finally, we present conclusions and perspectives regarding future research and development. By identifying the research gaps, this review aims to inspire further exploration of surface degradation mechanisms and rational design of durable electrocatalysts, ultimately contributing to the large-scale utilization of electroconversion technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet-Hung Do
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459.
- Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459.
- Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141
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18
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Yu H, Liedienov N, Zatovsky I, Butenko D, Fesych I, Xu W, Song C, Li Q, Liu B, Pashchenko A, Levchenko G. The Multifunctionality of Lanthanum-Strontium Cobaltite Nanopowder: High-Pressure Magnetic Studies and Excellent Electrocatalytic Properties for OER. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:3605-3620. [PMID: 38207161 PMCID: PMC10811629 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Simultaneous study of magnetic and electrocatalytic properties of cobaltites under extreme conditions expands the understanding of physical and chemical processes proceeding in them with the possibility of their further practical application. Therefore, La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 (LSCO) nanopowders were synthesized at different annealing temperatures tann = 850-900 °C, and their multifunctional properties were studied comprehensively. As tann increases, the rhombohedral perovskite structure of the LSCO becomes more single-phase, whereas the average particle size and dispersion grow. Co3+ and Co4+ are the major components. It has been found that LSCO-900 shows two main Curie temperatures, TC1 and TC2, associated with a particle size distribution. As pressure P increases, average ⟨TC1⟩ and ⟨TC2⟩ increase from 253 and 175 K under ambient pressure to 268 and 180 K under P = 0.8 GPa, respectively. The increment of ⟨dTC/dP⟩ for the smaller and bigger particles is sufficiently high and equals 10 and 13 K/GPa, respectively. The magnetocaloric effect in the LSCO-900 nanopowder demonstrates an extremely wide peak δTfwhm > 50 K that can be used as one of the composite components, expanding its working temperature window. Moreover, all LSCO samples showed excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process (overpotentials of only 265-285 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2) with minimal η10 for LSCO-900. Based on the experimental data, it was concluded that the formation of a dense amorphous layer on the surface of the particles ensures high stability as a catalyst (at least 24 h) during electrolysis in 1 M KOH electrolyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Yu
- State
Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, International Center of Future
Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Nikita Liedienov
- State
Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, International Center of Future
Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Donetsk
Institute for Physics and Engineering named after O.O. Galkin, NASU, Kyiv 03028, Ukraine
| | - Igor Zatovsky
- F.D.
Ovcharenko Institute of Biocolloidal Chemistry, NASU, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine
| | - Denys Butenko
- Department
of Physics, Southern University of Science
and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P.R. China
| | - Igor Fesych
- Taras
Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01030 , Ukraine
- Institute
of Magnetism NASU and MESU, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine
| | - Wei Xu
- State
Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College
of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Chunrui Song
- Baicheng
Normal University, Baicheng 137099, China
| | - Quanjun Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, International Center of Future
Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Bingbing Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, International Center of Future
Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Aleksey Pashchenko
- State
Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, International Center of Future
Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Donetsk
Institute for Physics and Engineering named after O.O. Galkin, NASU, Kyiv 03028, Ukraine
- Institute
of Magnetism NASU and MESU, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine
| | - Georgiy Levchenko
- State
Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, International Center of Future
Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Donetsk
Institute for Physics and Engineering named after O.O. Galkin, NASU, Kyiv 03028, Ukraine
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19
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Füngerlings A, Wohlgemuth M, Antipin D, van der Minne E, Kiens EM, Villalobos J, Risch M, Gunkel F, Pentcheva R, Baeumer C. Crystal-facet-dependent surface transformation dictates the oxygen evolution reaction activity in lanthanum nickelate. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8284. [PMID: 38092726 PMCID: PMC10719283 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43901-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrocatalysts are the cornerstone in the transition to sustainable energy technologies and chemical processes. Surface transformations under operation conditions dictate the activity and stability. However, the dependence of the surface structure and transformation on the exposed crystallographic facet remains elusive, impeding rational catalyst design. We investigate the (001), (110) and (111) facets of a LaNiO3-δ electrocatalyst for water oxidation using electrochemical measurements, X-ray spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations with a Hubbard U term. We reveal that the (111) overpotential is ≈ 30-60 mV lower than for the other facets. While a surface transformation into oxyhydroxide-like NiOO(H) may occur for all three orientations, it is more pronounced for (111). A structural mismatch of the transformed layer with the underlying perovskite for (001) and (110) influences the ratio of Ni2+ and Ni3+ to Ni4+ sites during the reaction and thereby the binding energy of reaction intermediates, resulting in the distinct catalytic activities of the transformed facets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Füngerlings
- Department of Physics, Theoretical Physics and Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Lotharstraße 1, Duisburg, 47057, Germany
| | - Marcus Wohlgemuth
- Peter Gruenberg Institute and JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, Juelich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich, 52428, Germany
| | - Denis Antipin
- Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des Sauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismus, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, Berlin, 14109, Germany
| | - Emma van der Minne
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Hallenweg 15, Enschede, 7522, Netherlands
| | - Ellen Marijn Kiens
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Hallenweg 15, Enschede, 7522, Netherlands
| | - Javier Villalobos
- Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des Sauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismus, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, Berlin, 14109, Germany
| | - Marcel Risch
- Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des Sauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismus, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, Berlin, 14109, Germany
| | - Felix Gunkel
- Peter Gruenberg Institute and JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, Juelich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich, 52428, Germany
| | - Rossitza Pentcheva
- Department of Physics, Theoretical Physics and Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Lotharstraße 1, Duisburg, 47057, Germany.
| | - Christoph Baeumer
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Hallenweg 15, Enschede, 7522, Netherlands.
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20
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Chen H, Wei G, You Z, Liang X, Liu P, Yang Y, Tan F, Wang S, Xing J, Suib SL. Ca substitution improves the catalytic activity of perovskite LaCoO 3 toward toluene: comprehension of electronic structure alteration. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12015-12018. [PMID: 37727990 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03286h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
For perovskite La1-xCaxCoO3 (Ca-x, x = 0-0.3), Ca-0.2 with the closest O p band center to the Fermi level, displays the best catalytic activity for toluene oxidation. The O p band center determines the reducibility and active oxygen content. This finding is beneficial for the design of highly active perovskite catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, P.R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Gaoling Wei
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Guangdong Institute of Eco-environmental Science & Technology, Guangzhou 510650, P.R. China
| | - Zijuan You
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yiping Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Fuding Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Suhua Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, P.R. China
| | - Jieqi Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, P.R. China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Steven L Suib
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
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21
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Zhao S, Hu F, Yin L, Li L, Peng S. Manipulating electron redistribution induced by asymmetric coordination for electrocatalytic water oxidation at a high current density. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023:S2095-9273(23)00369-9. [PMID: 37331904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Electronic structure manipulation with regard to active site coordination is an effective strategy to improve the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. Herein, we present the structure-activity relationship between oxygen-atom-mediated electron rearrangement and active site coordination asymmetry. Ni2+ ions are introduced to FeWO4 on Ni foam (NF) via self-substitution to break the symmetry of the FeO6 octahedron and regulate d-electron structure of Fe sites. Structural regulation optimizes the adsorption energy of hydroxyl on the Fe sites and promotes the partial formation of hydroxyl oxide with high OER activity on the tungstate surface. Fe0.53Ni0.47WO4/NF with the asymmetric FeO6 octahedron of Fe sites can achieve an ultralow overpotential of 170 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and 240 mV at 1000 mA cm-2 with robust stability for 500 h at high current density under alkaline conditions. This research develops novel electrocatalysts with impressive OER performance and provides new insights into the design of highly active catalytic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Feng Hu
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Lijie Yin
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Linlin Li
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Shengjie Peng
- College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China.
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22
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Kiens EM, Choi MJ, Wei L, Lu Q, Wang L, Baeumer C. Deeper mechanistic insights into epitaxial nickelate electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:4562-4577. [PMID: 36920360 PMCID: PMC10100650 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc00325f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Mass production of green hydrogen via water electrolysis requires advancements in the performance of electrocatalysts, especially for the oxygen evolution reaction. In this feature article, we highlight how epitaxial nickelates act as model systems to identify atomic-level composition-structure-property-activity relationships, capture dynamic changes under operating conditions, and reveal reaction and failure mechanisms. These insights guide advanced electrocatalyst design with tailored functionality and superior performance. We conclude with an outlook for future developments via operando characterization and multilayer electrocatalyst design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Kiens
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Faculty of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Min-Ju Choi
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA.
| | - Luhan Wei
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, P. R. China.
| | - Qiyang Lu
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, P. R. China.
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Le Wang
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA.
| | - Christoph Baeumer
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Faculty of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
- Peter Gruenberg Institute and JARA-FIT, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, 52425 Juelich, Germany
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23
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Hochfilzer D, Chorkendorff I, Kibsgaard J. Catalyst Stability Considerations for Electrochemical Energy Conversion with Non-Noble Metals: Do We Measure on What We Synthesized? ACS ENERGY LETTERS 2023; 8:1607-1612. [PMID: 36937791 PMCID: PMC10012258 DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.3c00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Working with non-noble electrocatalysts poses significant experimental challenges to unambiguously evaluate their intrinsic activity and characterize their working state and possible structural and compositional changes before, during, and after activity testing. Despite the vast number of studies on non-noble catalysts, these issues are still not addressed sufficiently-hindering significant progress in the field. In this Perspective, we present pitfalls and challenges when working with non-noble-metal-based electrocatalysts from catalyst synthesis, over electrochemical testing, to post-reaction characterization, and suggest potential solutions to overcome these difficulties. We believe that reliable measurements of the intrinsic activity of non-noble-metal-based electrocatalysts will greatly enhance our understanding of electrocatalysis in general and is a prerequisite for developing more active and selective electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Degenhart Hochfilzer
- Surface Physics and Catalysis,
Department of Physics, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ib Chorkendorff
- Surface Physics and Catalysis,
Department of Physics, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jakob Kibsgaard
- Surface Physics and Catalysis,
Department of Physics, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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24
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Heveling J. La-Doped Alumina, Lanthanum Aluminate, Lanthanum Hexaaluminate, and Related Compounds: A Review Covering Synthesis, Structure, and Practical Importance. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c03007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Heveling
- Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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25
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Adiga P, Wang L, Wong C, Matthews BE, Bowden ME, Spurgeon SR, Sterbinsky GE, Blum M, Choi MJ, Tao J, Kaspar TC, Chambers SA, Stoerzinger KA, Du Y. Correlation between oxygen evolution reaction activity and surface compositional evolution in epitaxial La 0.5Sr 0.5Ni 1-xFe xO 3-δ thin films. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:1119-1127. [PMID: 36594352 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05373j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Water electrolysis can use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen, a portable fuel and sustainable chemical precursor. Improving electrolyzer efficiency hinges on the activity of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. Earth-abundant, ABO3-type perovskite oxides offer great compositional, structural, and electronic tunability, with previous studies showing compositional substitution can increase the OER activity drastically. However, the relationship between the tailored bulk composition and that of the surface, where OER occurs, remains unclear. Here, we study the effects of electrochemical cycling on the OER activity of La0.5Sr0.5Ni1-xFexO3-δ (x = 0-0.5) epitaxial films grown by oxide molecular beam epitaxy as a model Sr-containing perovskite oxide. Electrochemical testing and surface-sensitive spectroscopic analyses show Ni segregation, which is affected by electrochemical history, along with surface amorphization, coupled with changes in OER activity. Our findings highlight the importance of surface composition and electrochemical cycling conditions in understanding OER performance, suggesting common motifs of the active surface with high surface area systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwal Adiga
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA.
| | - Le Wang
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA.
| | - Cindy Wong
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA.
| | - Bethany E Matthews
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - Mark E Bowden
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
| | - Steven R Spurgeon
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - George E Sterbinsky
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA
| | - Monika Blum
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Min-Ju Choi
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA.
| | - Jinhui Tao
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA.
| | - Tiffany C Kaspar
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA.
| | - Scott A Chambers
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA.
| | - Kelsey A Stoerzinger
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA.
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA.
| | - Yingge Du
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA.
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