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Ahmad A, Nairan A, Feng Z, Zheng R, Bai Y, Khan U, Gao J. Unlocking the Potential of High Entropy Alloys in Electrochemical Water Splitting: A Review. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311929. [PMID: 38396229 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The global pursuit of sustainable energy is focused on producing hydrogen through electrocatalysis driven by renewable energy. Recently, High entropy alloys (HEAs) have taken the spotlight in electrolysis due to their intriguing cocktail effect, broad design space, customizable electronic structure, and entropy stabilization effect. The tunability and complexity of HEAs allow a diverse range of active sites, optimizing adsorption strength and activity for electrochemical water splitting. This review comprehensively covers contemporary advancements in synthesis technique, design framework, and physio-chemical evaluation approaches for HEA-based electrocatalysts. Additionally, it explores design principles and strategies aimed at optimizing the catalytic activity, stability, and effectiveness of HEAs in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting. Through an in-depth investigation of these aspects, the complexity inherent in constituent element interactions, reaction processes, and active sites associated with HEAs is aimed to unravel. Eventually, an outlook regarding challenges and impending difficulties and an outline of the future direction of HEA in electrocatalysis is provided. The thorough knowledge offered in this review will assist in formulating and designing catalysts based on HEAs for the next generation of electrochemistry-related applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Ahmad
- Institute of Functional Porous Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Adeela Nairan
- Institute of Functional Porous Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zhuo Feng
- Institute of Functional Porous Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Ruiming Zheng
- Institute of Functional Porous Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yelin Bai
- Institute of Functional Porous Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Usman Khan
- Institute of Functional Porous Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Junkuo Gao
- Institute of Functional Porous Materials, School of Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
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Adak M, Basak HK, Chakraborty B. Ease of Electrochemical Arsenate Dissolution from FeAsO 4 Microparticles during Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction. ACS ORGANIC & INORGANIC AU 2023; 3:223-232. [PMID: 37545654 PMCID: PMC10401858 DOI: 10.1021/acsorginorgau.3c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Transition metal-based ABO4-type materials have now been paid significant attention due to their excellent electrochemical activity. However, a detailed study to understand the active species and its electro-evolution pathway is not traditionally performed. Herein, FeAsO4, a bimetallic ABO4-type oxide, has been prepared solvothermally. In-depth microscopic and spectroscopic studies showed that the as-synthesized cocoon-like FeAsO4 microparticles consist of several small individual nanocrystals with a mixture of monoclinic and triclinic phases. While depositing FeAsO4 on three-dimensional nickel foam (NF), it can show oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a moderate operating potential. During the electrochemical activation of the FeAsO4/NF anode through cyclic voltammetric (CV) cycles prior to the OER study, an exponential increment in the current density (j) was observed. An ex situ Raman study with the electrode along with field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging showed that the pronounced OER activity with increasing number of CV cycles is associated with a rigorous morphological and chemical change, which is followed by [AsO4]3- leaching from FeAsO4. A chronoamperometric study and subsequent spectro- and microscopic analyses of the isolated sample from the electrode show an amorphous γ-FeO(OH) formation at the constant potential condition. The in situ formation of FeO(OH)ED (ED indicates electrochemically derived) shows better activity compared to pristine FeAsO4 and independently prepared FeO(OH). Tafel, impedance spectroscopic study, and determination of electrochemical surface area have inferred that the in situ formed FeO(OH)ED shows better electro-kinetics and possesses higher surface active sites compared to its parent FeAsO4. In this study, the electrochemical activity of FeAsO4 has been correlated with its structural integrity and unravels its electro-activation pathway by characterizing the active species for OER.
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Khosravi M, Mohammadi MR. Trends and progress in application of cobalt-based materials in catalytic, electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2022; 154:329-352. [PMID: 36195743 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-022-00965-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in water oxidation in recent two decades. Along with that, remarkable discovery of formation of a mysterious catalyst layer upon application of an anodic potential of 1.13 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) to an inert indium tin oxide electrode immersed in phosphate buffer containing Co(II) ions by Nocera et.al, has greatly attracted researchers interest. These researches have oriented in two directions; one focuses on obtaining better understanding of the reported mysterious catalyst layer, further modification, and improved performance, and the second approach is about designing coordination complexes of cobalt and investigating their properties toward the application in water splitting. Although there have been critical debates on true catalysts that are responsible for water oxidation in homogeneous systems of coordination complexes of cobalt, and the case is not totally closed, in this short review, our focus will be mainly on recent major progress and developments in the design and the application of cobalt oxide-based materials in catalytic, electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and photoelectrocatalytic water oxidation reaction, which have been reported since pioneering report of Nocera in 2008 (Kanan Matthew and Nocera Daniel in Science 321:1072-1075, 2008).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Khosravi
- Department of Physics, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, 98167-45845, Iran
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Hausmann JN, Mebs S, Dau H, Driess M, Menezes PW. Oxygen Evolution Activity of Amorphous Cobalt Oxyhydroxides: Interconnecting Precatalyst Reconstruction, Long-Range Order, Buffer-Binding, Morphology, Mass Transport, and Operation Temperature. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2207494. [PMID: 36189873 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanocrystalline or amorphous cobalt oxyhydroxides (CoCat) are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). While having the same short-range order, CoCat phases possess different electrocatalytic properties. This phenomenon is not conclusively understood, as multiple interdependent parameters affect the OER activity simultaneously. Herein, a layered cobalt borophosphate precatalyst, Co(H2 O)2 [B2 P2 O8 (OH)2 ]·H2 O, is fully reconstructed into two different CoCat phases. In contrast to previous reports, this reconstruction is not initiated at the surface but at the electrode substrate to catalyst interface. Ex situ and in situ investigations of the two borophosphate derived CoCats, as well as the prominent CoPi and CoBi identify differences in the Tafel slope/range, buffer binding and content, long-range order, number of accessible edge sites, redox activity, and morphology. Considering and interconnecting these aspects together with proton mass-transport limitations, a comprehensive picture is provided explaining the different OER activities. The most decisive factors are the buffers used for reconstruction, the number of edge sites that are not inhibited by irreversibly bonded buffers, and the morphology. With this acquired knowledge, an optimized OER system is realized operating in near-neutral potassium borate medium at 1.62 ± 0.03 VRHE yielding 250 mA cm-2 at 65 °C for 1 month without degrading performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Niklas Hausmann
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technical University of Berlin, Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Mebs
- Department of Physics, Free University of Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Dau
- Department of Physics, Free University of Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Driess
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technical University of Berlin, Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Prashanth W Menezes
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technical University of Berlin, Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2, 10623, Berlin, Germany
- Material Chemistry Group for Thin Film Catalysis-CatLab, Helmholtz-Center Berlin for Materials and Energy, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489, Berlin, Germany
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Villalobos J, Morales DM, Antipin D, Schuck G, Golnak R, Xiao J, Risch M. Stabilization of a Mn-Co Oxide During Oxygen Evolution in Alkaline Media. ChemElectroChem 2022; 9:e202200482. [PMID: 35915742 PMCID: PMC9328349 DOI: 10.1002/celc.202200482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Improving the stability of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through materials design has received less attention than improving their catalytic activity. We explored the effects of Mn addition to a cobalt oxide for stabilizing the catalyst by comparing single phase CoOx and (Co0.7Mn0.3)Ox films electrodeposited in alkaline solution. The obtained disordered films were classified as layered oxides using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The CoOx films showed a constant decrease in the catalytic activity during cycling, confirmed by oxygen detection, while that of (Co0.7Mn0.3)Ox remained constant within error as measured by electrochemical metrics. These trends were rationalized based on XAS analysis of the metal oxidation states, which were Co2.7+ and Mn3.7+ in the bulk and similar near the surface of (Co0.7Mn0.3)Ox, before and after cycling. Thus, Mn in (Co0.7Mn0.3)Ox successfully stabilized the bulk catalyst material and its surface activity during OER cycling. The development of stabilization approaches is essential to extend the durability of OER catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Villalobos
- Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des SauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismusHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbHHahn-Meitner Platz 1Berlin14109Germany
| | - Dulce M. Morales
- Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des SauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismusHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbHHahn-Meitner Platz 1Berlin14109Germany
| | - Denis Antipin
- Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des SauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismusHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbHHahn-Meitner Platz 1Berlin14109Germany
| | - Götz Schuck
- Abteilung Struktur und Dynamik von EnergiematerialienHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbHHahn-Meitner Platz 1Berlin14109Germany
| | - Ronny Golnak
- Department of Highly Sensitive X-ray SpectroscopyHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbHAlbert-Einstein-Straße 15Berlin12489Germany
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Highly Sensitive X-ray SpectroscopyHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbHAlbert-Einstein-Straße 15Berlin12489Germany
| | - Marcel Risch
- Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des SauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismusHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbHHahn-Meitner Platz 1Berlin14109Germany
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Nakamura S, Capone M, Mattioli G, Guidoni L. Early-stage formation of (hydr)oxo bridges in transition-metal catalysts for photosynthetic processes. Catal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cy02227f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ab initio simulations have been used to assess reaction pathways for the formation of M–(hydr)oxo–M (M = Co, Mn, Ni) bridges from M(ii) aqueous solutions, as early-stage building blocks of transition-metal catalysts for oxygen evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Nakamura
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Rome
- Italy
| | - Matteo Capone
- Department of physical and chemical science
- Università dell'Aquila
- L'Aquila
- Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mattioli
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia del CNR (ISM-CNR)
- I-00015 Monterotondo Scalo
- Italy
| | - Leonardo Guidoni
- Department of physical and chemical science
- Università dell'Aquila
- L'Aquila
- Italy
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Beltrán-Suito R, Forstner V, Hausmann JN, Mebs S, Schmidt J, Zaharieva I, Laun K, Zebger I, Dau H, Menezes PW, Driess M. A soft molecular 2Fe-2As precursor approach to the synthesis of nanostructured FeAs for efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation. Chem Sci 2020; 11:11834-11842. [PMID: 34123210 PMCID: PMC8162750 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc04384b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
An unprecedented molecular 2Fe-2As precursor complex was synthesized and transformed under soft reaction conditions to produce an active and long-term stable nanocrystalline FeAs material for electrocatalytic water oxidation in alkaline media. The 2Fe2As-centred β-diketiminato complex, having an unusual planar Fe2As2 core structure, results from the salt-metathesis reaction of the corresponding β-diketiminato FeIICl complex and the AsCO- (arsaethynolate) anion as the monoanionic As- source. The as-prepared FeAs phase produced from the precursor has been electrophoretically deposited on conductive electrode substrates and shown to act as a electro(pre)catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The deposited FeAs undergoes corrosion under the severe anodic alkaline conditions which causes extensive dissolution of As into the electrolyte forming finally an active two-line ferrihydrite phase (Fe2O3(H2O) x ). Importantly, the dissolved As in the electrolyte can be fully recaptured (electro-deposited) at the counter electrode making the complete process eco-conscious. The results represent a new and facile entry to unexplored nanostructured transition-metal arsenides and their utilization for high-performance OER electrocatalysis, which are also known to be magnificent high-temperature superconductors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Beltrán-Suito
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2 10623 Berlin Germany
| | - Viktoria Forstner
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2 10623 Berlin Germany
| | - J Niklas Hausmann
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2 10623 Berlin Germany
| | - Stefan Mebs
- Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 14 Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Johannes Schmidt
- Department of Chemistry: Functional Materials, Technische Universität Berlin Hardenbergstraße 40 Berlin 10623 Germany
| | - Ivelina Zaharieva
- Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 14 Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Konstantin Laun
- Institut für Chemie, Max-Volmar-Laboratorium für Biophysikalische Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17 Juni 135 Berlin 10623 Germany
| | - Ingo Zebger
- Institut für Chemie, Max-Volmar-Laboratorium für Biophysikalische Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17 Juni 135 Berlin 10623 Germany
| | - Holger Dau
- Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin Arnimallee 14 Berlin 14195 Germany
| | - Prashanth W Menezes
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2 10623 Berlin Germany
| | - Matthias Driess
- Department of Chemistry: Metalorganics and Inorganic Materials, Technische Universität Berlin Straße des 17 Juni 135, Sekr. C2 10623 Berlin Germany
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Oxidative dissolution of synthetic vivianites as a method for the crystallization of molecular structural motifs. Struct Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-020-01644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Pasquini C, D'Amario L, Zaharieva I, Dau H. Operando Raman spectroscopy tracks oxidation-state changes in an amorphous Co oxide material for electrocatalysis of the oxygen evolution reaction. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:194202. [PMID: 33687254 DOI: 10.1063/5.0006306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transition metal oxides are of high interest in both energy storage (batteries) and production of non-fossil fuels by (photo)electrocatalysis. Their functionally crucial charge (oxidation state) changes and electrocatalytic properties are best investigated under electrochemical operation conditions. We established operando Raman spectroscopy for investigation of the atomic structure and oxidation state of a non-crystalline, hydrated, and phosphate-containing Co oxide material (CoCat), which is an electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at neutral pH and is structurally similar to LiCoO2 of batteries. Raman spectra were collected at various sub-catalytic and catalytic electric potentials. 2H labeling suggests Co oxidation coupled to Co-OH deprotonation at catalytic potentials. 18O labeling supports O-O bond formation starting from terminally coordinated oxygen species. Two broad bands around 877 cm-1 and 1077 cm-1 are assigned to CoCat-internal H2PO4 -. Raman peaks corresponding to terminal oxide (Co=O) or reactive oxygen species were not detectable; 1000-1200 cm-1 bands were instead assigned to two-phonon Raman scattering. At an increasingly positive potential, the intensity of the Raman bands decreased, which is unexpected and explained by self-absorption relating to CoCat electrochromism. A red-shift of the Co-O Raman bands with increasing potentials was described by four Gaussian bands of potential-dependent amplitudes. By linear combination of Raman band amplitudes, we can follow individually the Co(2+/3+) and Co(3+/4+) redox transitions, whereas previously published x-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis could determine only the averaged Co oxidation state. Our results show how electrochemical operando Raman spectroscopy can be employed as a potent analytical tool in mechanistic investigations on OER catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pasquini
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Luca D'Amario
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivelina Zaharieva
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Dau
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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