Double-atom catalysts as a molecular platform for heterogeneous oxygen evolution electrocatalysis
Journal
Nature Energy
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
11
Pages
1054-1066
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an essential anode reaction for the generation of fuels through water splitting or CO2 electroreduction. Mixed metal oxides containing Co, Fe or Ni have proved to be the most promising OER electrocatalysts in alkaline media. However, the active sites and reaction mechanisms of these catalysts are difficult to study due to their heterogeneous nature. Here we describe a general synthesis of Co-, Fe- and Ni-containing double-atom catalysts from their single-atom precursors via in situ electrochemical transformation. Characterization reveals molecule-like bimetallic active sites for these supported catalysts. For each catalyst, we propose a catalytic cycle; all exhibit bimetallic cooperation and follow a similar O–O bond-forming step. However, the mechanisms diverge in the site and source of OH? for O–O bond formation, as well as the order of proton and electron transfer. Our work demonstrates double-atom catalysts as an attractive platform for fundamental studies of heterogeneous OER electrocatalysts. ? 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.
Subjects
Atoms
Catalyst activity
Electrocatalysis
Electrolysis
Electrolytic reduction
Molecular oxygen
Active site
Anode reaction
Bimetallics
Double atoms
Electro reduction
Mixed metal oxide
Molecular platform
Oxygen evolution
Water splitting
]+ catalyst
Electrocatalysts
catalysis
catalyst
chemical reaction
concentration (composition)
electron
SDGs
Type
journal article