Development of Te-CeO2/NF nanofilm with ultralow overpotential for robust oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices rely on the (OER) oxygen evolution reaction, including regenerative metal-air batteries, fuel cells and many other applications. The OER process has intrinsically slow kinetics with a multistep electron transfer via proton-coupled, considering it a bottleneck in numerous electrochemical arrangements. To remove the bottleneck issue, an effective transition metal-based electrocatalyst is vital to lower the required onset and overpotential at a benchmark current density. Due to their durability, plenty of accessibility, and low environmental impact, nonprecious transition metal oxides like doped materials have gained prominence as prospective OER catalysts over the past decade. Therefore, in the present study, Te-CeO2/NF nanofilm is prepared via three steps, less cost alternative OER electrocatalysts via hydrothermal technique. The desired material responds to high activity, i.e., smaller overpotential of 227 mV with a Tafel value of 43 mV dec−1 and long-time stability of 100 h. Noble transition metal oxides doped with telluride are utilized as OER electrocatalysts for the first time and displayed great OER activity. This material provides a stimulating path for innovation and growth in various field such as energy conversion and storage devises, opening up new avenues for accessible and long-term learning.