High entropy LDH heterojunction electrocatalyst for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The creation of highly efficient non-noble metal catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for the electrochemical water splitting. Harnessing the synergistic effects of heterojunctions and high-entropy layered double hydroxides (LDH) to improve electron configurations is a promising approach. The straightforward and swift synthesis of high-entropy LDH catalysts remains a great challenge. In this work, we develop a novel, non-nobel metal high-entropy heterojunction electrocatalyst , synthesized via in - situ electrochemical deposition of FeCoNiCrMn LDH onto a CuO mesh. The integration of FeCoNiCrMn LDH with the CuO core through heterojunction engineering facilitates the harmonious manipulation of surface electron and expedites the electron transfer. The optimized CuO@FeCoNiCrMn LDH heterojunction demonstrates a low overpotential of 251 mV at 100 mA cm −2 , with a Tafel slope of 34.1 mV dec -1 , and enduring stability in alkaline condition over 40 h. Moreover, the CuO@FeCoNiCrMn LDH||Pt/C electrolyzer achieves current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm −2 at merely 1.50 and 1.54 V, respectively, with enduring stability. This research clears the path for the production of high-entropy hydroxide heterojunction catalysts, which are highly efficient and cost-effective.