One-step ultrasound-assisted synthesis of a MoO3/NiFe LDH heterojunction for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Constructing heterojunction interfaces represents an effective approach to designing high-performance electrocatalysts for water oxidation, yet realizing practical heterostructures presents significant challenges. Herein, we have successfully developed and fabricated a novel MoO₃/NiFe LDH heterojunction material through an efficient one-pot ultrasound-assisted hydrothermal synthesis strategy. The as-prepared MoO₃/NiFe LDH exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution, achieving a low overpotential of merely 234 mV to drive 50 mA cm⁻² current density, while showing excellent operational durability with minimal potential variation following continuous operation for 100 hours under identical current conditions. The ultrasonic treatment facilitates the formation of a dense, coral reef-inspired nanostructure with uniform morphology, substantially increasing the available catalytic surface area while creating abundant accessible active centers. Furthermore, the heterojunction interface between MoO₃ and NiFe LDH facilitates efficient interfacial electron transfer, thereby accelerating the OER kinetics. This study offers an innovative and scalable approach for constructing heterojunction electrocatalysts, offering new ideas for the logical design of advanced and innovative materials for energy conversion applications.