Atomic dispersion of Fe/Co/N on graphene by ball-milling for efficient oxygen evolution reaction. (31st May 2018) - Wang, Wenguo
Abstract: Development of the electrochemical water splitting is impeded by the important yet sluggish half-reaction of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Atomic dispersion of FeCo species represents a new type of potential materials for OER. However, it is still highly challenging to exploit facile and efficient methods for such synthesis. Herein, we have developed a rapid mechanical ball milling approach to synthesize highly-dispersed Fe/Co/N on graphene as OER electrocatalyst, which displays high OER performance with overpotential of 288 mV at 10 mA cm −2 and no obvious decay after 9 h of continuous operation at 10 mA cm −2 . This excellent electrocatalytic performance originates from atomic-scale accessible iron, cobalt and nitrogen electrocatalytic sites and highly conductive graphene. These results suggest feasibility of this facile and efficient ball milling method in synthesis of other electrocatalysts for various applications. Graphical abstract: A facile one-step ball milling method was used to synthesize the highly active atomic dispersion of Fe/Co/N on graphene for oxygen evolution reaction. Highlights: Atomic Fe/Co/N on graphene was synthesized by ball milling. The material exhibits a low overpotential of 288 mV at 10 mA/cm 2 for OER. Origin of high activity was revealed by atomic dispersion of FeCo coupling with highly conductive graphene.