Multi-active sites derived from a single/double perovskite hybrid for highly efficient water oxidation

Abstract

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in the application of water splitting, which is a highly competitive option for a sustainable energy future. Thus, it is vital to design highly active and durable electrocatalyst for OER. Herein a hybrid with the nominal composition of Ba2Co1.5Mo0.25Nb0.25O6-d (denoted as BC1.5 MN) electrocatalyst consisting of both double perovskite and single perovskite structures is synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. When tested as an electrocatalyst for OER, the BC1.5 MN electrocatalyst requires a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at an overpotential of 400 mV, an onset overpotential of 260 mV, and a Tafel slope of 70 mV dec-1, which are superior to that of precious metal oxide IrO2 catalyst. Chronoamperometric and cyclic voltammetry studies demonstrate that the BC1.5 MN electrocatalyst has outstanding durability in alkaline solution. The synergistic effect between multi-active sites derived from a single/double perovskite hybrid structure results in one of the most active perovskite-based OER electrocatalysts in alkaline solution.