C, N co-doped mesoporous Co-based phosphates via glucose-mediated regulation for the selective electrochemical water oxidation in alkaline realistic seawater

Abstract

The development of highly efficient and stable anode electrocatalysts is highly demanding and challenging in seawater electrocatalysis for industrial application. Herein, we have constructed C, N co-doped mesoporous Co-based hybrid phosphates via a facile glucose-mediated regulation. The optimal C4-2-0.5Glu-550 by calcination at a mild temperature exhibits superior OER performance in 1.0 M KOH seawater with an overpotential of 296 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 109 mV dec−1 as well as long-term stability (for at least 19 h). Combined with structural characterization, its excellent electrocatalytic performance should be attributed that the proper heteroatom doping regulates its electronic structure, correspondingly, adjusts the adsorption strength of the intermediates, in addition, its open porous structure increases exposed active sites and facilitates the electrons/mass transfer and the adsorption of reactants, above all, the carbon layer formed by the introduction of glucose significantly improves its corrosion resistance, further enhancing its performance in alkaline realistic seawater.