The ultra-high oxygen evolution activity of Fe modified NiPt alloy assisted by Pt pre-oxidation in alkaline electrolyte

Abstract

Constructing ultra-high activity, highly efficient and robust oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts, especially at large current density, plays a key role in the development of the electrolytic water industry but remains challenging. Highly dispersed alloy compound with large electrolyte contact area and excellent internal conductivity is considered as a kind of ideal candidate. Here, we have rationally designed and synthesized a nickel-platinum alloy with octahedral structure loaded on the surface of the carbon layer (NiPt/C). Under the in-situ modulation of the iron-containing electrolyte, the Fe modified NiPt/C catalyst displays an amazing OER activity in 1 M KOH, and only requires low overpotentials of 183 and 242 mV to reach 100 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively. The comprehensive characterization analysis and property measurements reveal that the pre-oxidation of Pt at OER potential contribute to the rapid production of nickel hydroxide, thus promoting the deposition of more iron active sites on its surface. Moreover, the Pt/C/CP(−)//NiPt/C/CP(+) couple embedded in anion-exchange membrane water electrolyser also displays a low cell voltage of 2.03 V at 1000 mA cm−2 with significant electrochemical stability, which endows it a great potential in the field of hydrogen production and electrochemical energy storage.