Directional interface electron transfer from Fe2O3 to biomass-derived carbon originated from F-dopant-induced site-specific growth

Abstract

Site-specific growth of active phase on surface functionalization carbon substrate has drawn attention to improve the catalytic activity and stability of electrocatalyst. Herein, F-dopant-induced Fe2O3 site-specific growth improves the directional interface electron transfer from Fe2O3 to biomass-derived carbon. Electron redistribution between Fe2O3 and F-doped carbon (FC) optimizes the adsorption energy of intermediates to improve electrocatalytic intrinsic activities. The hydrophilic/aerophobic surface of Fe2O3/FC benefits to the fast reaction kinetics for water splitting. FC as hydrophilic end enhances wettability of electrolyte on electrode surface and facilities H2O adsorption. Fe2O3 as aerophobic end is conducive to the formation and overflow of bubbles from catalyst surface. It is a simple way to achieve directional interface electron transfer in heterogenous catalysis that F doping can induce site-specific growth for the improvement of activity and stability.