Single atomically anchored iron on graphene quantum dots for a highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, C.-Y.; Kashale, A.A.; Lee, C.-M.; Chu, S.-L.; Lin, Y.-F.; Chen, I-W.P.
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 20(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Graphene quantum dots -- Dinitrosyl iron complex -- Oxygen evolution reaction; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2021.100693
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: Single-atom catalysts (SACs) supported on carbon-based materials are very promising for maximizing their electrocatalytic activity. However, carbon-based SACs are primarily bonded with carbons, resulting in an inferior performance in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we develop a novel coordination adsorption strategy for the synthesis of a monodispersed Fe(NO)2 moiety anchored on the nitrogen sites of the nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) to form a Fe(NO)2 –N-GQDs complex as an efficient OER catalyst. The resultant Fe(NO)2 –N-GQDs complex exhibits a highly stable overpotential of 270 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 and a Tafel slope of 48 mV dec −1 together with long-term durability, which greatly outperforms the state-of-the-art RuO2 . Our finding emphasizes the role of electron-transfer resistance changes during a simple synthesis method to enhance electrocatalytic efficiency. Therefore, this work will envision numerous opportunities for creating novel-type carbon-based SACs via nitrogen–metal coordination as highly robust OER catalysts. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Graphene quantum dots are synthesized for electrolysis application. Atomically anchored iron is doped on graphene quantum dots. Oxygen evolution reaction performance of the iron-doped-graphene quantum dots is evaluated. Atomically dispersed iron catalyst on graphene quantum dots significantly reduces overpotential for the oxygen evolution reaction.