Mn doping induced electronic modulation of self-supported NiFe layered double hydroxides for oxygen evolution reaction†

Electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as a crucial half-reaction in the water splitting process for sustainable hydrogen production, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its pivotal role in addressing the global energy crisis and mitigating climate change. Herein, we strategically incorporated Mn into the NiFe-LDH nanowire lattice (MnNiFe-LDH) via a simple solvothermal method, which significantly enhanced the water oxidation catalytic activity. Our research demonstrated that doping of Mn ions could modulate the d-electron structure and generate more oxygen vacancies, facilitating the electron transport process and activating the water oxidation reaction at lower potentials, thereby further decreasing the overpotential of OER. Specifically, the optimal MnNiFe-LDH exhibited enhanced OER performance with an overpotential of 340 mV@100 mA cm⁻², Tafel slope of 81.23 mV dec⁻¹ and favorable stability. This work provides a foundation for the design of highly active, LDH-based electrocatalysts with high activity and low cost for energy conversion applications.