Robust amorphous iron (II) diphosphate on nickel foam: Aggrandizing electronic structure for efficient catalytic activity towards oxygen evolution and urea oxidation

Abstract

The few intuitive challenges are the high clean energy demand, the dire need for sustainable development, and low carbon footprints. Thereby, the wastewater rich in urea from sanitary units, and industries are subjected to produce green energy as a source for hydrogen through waste water-splitting. Thus, anodic reaction in electrochemical hydrogen production is the most widely promoted towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR). However, both possess sluggish kinetics which need to be improved. Therefore, the development of novel materials that can meet the demands of both reaction mechanisms is highly required. Herein, Fe2P2O7-based composite grown on the conductive substrate can effectively enhance the electrical transportation of ions during electrocatalytic activity. The experimental and theoretical investigations are adopted to get a comprehensive insight and understanding of the catalytic nature of the as-prepared samples. Compared with other as-synthesized materials, Fe2P2O7 exhibits splendid performance with a low onset potential of 1.482 and 1.317 V (vs RHE) to obtain a current density of 10 mA/cm2 towards the OER and UOR process, respectively. The low Tafel slope and high turnover frequency offer low resistance during charge transfer. Additionally, greater ECSA and roughness factors enrich the attributes of Fe2P2O7 and offer more active sites for reaction to be held, producing a higher amount of gas bubbles. Hence, improved electrical conductivity, low charge transfer resistance, more electrochemical active surface area, and impressive durability reconfirm the Fe2P2O7 as an effective catalyst.