Insights into the Structure Sensitivity of Fe-Based Materials for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

The conversion of renewable energy into storable fuels is fundamental to the meeting of the net-zero CO2 emissions objective by 2050. However, the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the poor stability of electrocatalysts at industrial-level currents remain a problem for electrolyzers 1. Using platinum group metal-free electrocatalysts in anion exchange membrane electrolyzers is an appealing strategy to overcome some of the problems associated with PEM electrolyzers. Fe-based materials offer the possibility for the development of active, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the OER in alkaline media.In this work, we explore the influence of structure, composition, or crystalline phase on different Fe-based electrodes for the OER. Different fabrication procedures such as additive manufacturing 2, flame spray synthesis, or pulse laser ablation 3 allow us to have a wide range of Fe-based materials with a well-defined structure/composition/phase. The materials have been extensively characterized by physicochemical methods (XPS, Raman, XRD, ICP) and their electrocatalytic activity evaluates following careful procedures in order to obtain reliable results. The results show that the activity of Fe-rich electrodes is poor. However, if Fe is alloyed with other materials or its surface structure or crystallinity degree is modified, it results in a more active material. This information could guide the synthesis of more active and stable water-splitting materials. References S. Cherevko, S. Geiger, O. Kasian, N. Kulyk, J.-P. Grote, A. Savan, B. R. Shrestha, S. Merzlikin, B. Breitbach, A. Ludwig, and K. J. J. Mayrhofer, Catalysis Today, 262 170-180 (2016). J. Wegner, R. Martínez-Hincapié, V. Čolić, and S. Kleszczynski, Advanced Materials Interfaces, n/a (n/a), 2202499 (2023). J. Johny, Y. Li, M. Kamp, O. Prymak, S.-X. Liang, T. Krekeler, M. Ritter, L. Kienle, C. Rehbock, S. Barcikowski, and S. Reichenberger, Nano Research, 15 (6), 4807-4819 (2022).