Cerium Doping-Induced Enrichment of Ni3S4 Phase for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Abstract

The development of low-cost transition metal compounds with high-performance for efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance in promoting the development of electrocatalysis. In this study, a Ce-doped Ni3S4 catalyst (Ce0.2-Ni3S4) was synthesized through a one-step solvothermal method, where the doped rare earth element Ce induced the transformation of NiS to Ni3S4. The Ce0.2-Ni3S4 catalyst exhibited excellent OER performance in 1 M KOH. At a current density of 10 mA cm-2, it showed a low overpotential of 230 mV and a low Tafel slope of 52.39 mV dec-1. Long-term OER tests at the same potential lasted for 24 h without significant loss of current density. This work introduces a novel method of Ce element doping for modifying transition metal sulfides, providing new insights into the effective utilization of rare earth elements in the field of electrochemistry. It creates more chances for the progress of highly efficient catalysts for efficient OER, contributing to the advancement of electrocatalysis.