One-step electrodeposition of V-doped NiFe nanosheets for low-overpotential alkaline oxygen evolution†

Abstract

As a non-noble metal electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the binary NiFe layer double hydroxide (LDH) is expected to replace Ru-based and Ir-based anode materials for water decomposition. To attain threshold current density, nevertheless, a somewhat significant overpotential is still needed. In this work, layered double hydroxides of NiFe LDH are doped with V to form the terpolymer NiFeV LDH, which greatly increases the intrinsic activity of NiFe LDH and improves OER performance. This process is a straightforward and quick one-step electrodeposition process. Notably, NiFeV/NF has a low overpotential (218 mV at 10 mA cm⁻²) and faster kinetics (Tafel slope of 31 mV dec⁻¹) as well as excellent durability and stability in 1 M KOH solution. In addition, the OER performance of the catalyst prepared in this work is better than that of a non-valuable metal catalyst that was recently reported. The V-doped NiFe LDH layered double hydroxides and the investigation of electrodeposition electrocatalytic methods in this work offer a fresh opportunity for the advancement of electrochemical technology.