Abstract
Transition-metal oxides are extensively investigated as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, large-scale applications remain challenging due to their moderate catalytic activity. Optimized regulation of surface states can lead to improvement of catalytic properties. Here, the design of Mn@CoxMn3− xO4 nanoparticles with abundant edge sites via a simple seed-mediated growth strategy is described. The unsaturated coordination generated on the edge sites of CoxMn3− xO4 shells makes a positive contribution to the surface-structure tailoring. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the edge sites with unsaturated coordination exhibit intense affinity for OH− in the alkaline electrolyte, which greatly enhances the electrochemical OER performance of the catalysts. The resulting Mn@CoxMn3− xO4 catalysts yield a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 246 mV and a relatively low Tafel slope of 46 mV dec−1. The successful synthesis of these metal oxides nanoparticles with edge sites may pave a new path for rationally fabricating efficient OER catalysts.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1701820 |
Journal | Advanced Materials |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 36 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 27 Sept 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- cobalt–manganese spinel oxides
- edge sites
- oxygen evolution reaction
- unsaturated coordination
- water splitting