MOFs derived FeNi3 nanoparticles decorated hollow N-doped carbon rod for high-performance oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The sluggish electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial process for clean energy conversion technology. The preparation of non-precious electrocatalysts with high performance for OER is still a main challenge. Herein, we report a FeNi3 nanoparticles incorporated on N-doped hollow carbon rod with extraordinary performance toward OER by in situ annealing the Ni-doped Fe based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) precursors. Meanwhile, the pristine N atoms of MOFs doped into carbon frameworks can enhance the electrical conductivity, boost electron mass transport and electron transfer, and construct more active sites. Furthermore, constructing the Fe–Ni alloy structure can facilitate the formation of O–O bond, optimize the free energy for intermediate adsorption and improve OER performance. The as-prepared Fe–Ni bimetal decorated hollow N-doped nanocarbon hybrid structure possesses superior OER performance, which is surpass commercial IrO2 at a overpotential of only 340 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA cm−2, as well as a small Tafel slope of 86.67 mV dec−1 in alkaline electrolyte. The Fe–Ni alloy/hollow N-doped nanocarbon hybrid structure shining the bright future for obtaining earth-abundant and superior efficient anode OER electrocatalyst.

Keywords

• FeNi3 nanoparticles
• Metal–organic frameworks
• N-doped carbon
• Hollow structure
• Oxygen evolution reaction