Self-supporting 3D cross-linked NiFe-Co/NC@NiMoO4 electrode for efficient overall water splitting and rechargeable Zn-air batteries

Key Words:OXYGEN EVOLUTION; NANOSHEETS

Abstract:The primary challenge impeding the advancement of zinc-air batteries (ZABs) and hydrogen production through water electrolysis focuses on the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction. Consequently, the development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and durable catalysts is imperative to address this critical issue. Herein, A multifunctional catalyst featuring cross-linked nanoarrays was synthesized via interface engineering. This catalyst, comprising a cobalt- and nitrogen-doped carbon nanolayer integrated with a NiFe nanoalloy on NiMoO4 (NMO), exhibits remarkable performance in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Its superior catalytic activity is attributed to the cross-linked threedimensional nanoarray structure, which reduces adsorption energy and improves charge transfer efficiency. The integration of NiFe nanoalloy and Co/NC enhances contact with NMO nanorods, promoting electron transfer. The overall water splitting (OWS) electrolyzer based on NiFe-Co/NC@NMO/NF achieves a cell voltage of 1.54 V at 10 mA cm(-2) and operates stably for 100 h. As a self-supporting cathode in ZABs, it delivers high power density and excellent cycling stability. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the NiFe nanoalloy induces electron redistribution at the catalyst interface, optimizing adsorption energy and boosting catalytic reactions. This work presents a novel strategy for designing advanced multifunctional catalysts for clean energy applications.

Volume:375

Issue:

Translation or Not:no