Nanoneedle-structured synergistic P–C–CoFe@CeO2 electrocatalyst for enhanced alkaline water splitting
Journal
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Journal Volume
197
Start Page
152720
ISSN
03603199
Date Issued
2026-01-05
Author(s)
Abstract
Developing efficient, durable, and non-noble-metal-based bifunctional electrocatalysts is vital for sustainable hydrogen production via alkaline water splitting. Despite progress, achieving synergistic integration of multiple active species with optimized surface morphology remains challenging. Herein, we report a novel bifunctional electrocatalyst, P–C–CoFe@CeO2, synthesized by carbonizing and phosphorizing Prussian blue analogs grown on cerium–cobalt layered double hydroxides. This material combines catalytically active CoFe phosphide, CoFe alloy, conductive carbon, and CeO2, leading to strong synergistic interactions that enhance both catalytic performance and long-term durability. The catalyst features a unique nanoneedle-decorated spherical morphology, providing a high electrochemical surface area, abundant active sites, and improved charge and mass transport. Conductive carbon promotes electron mobility and structural integrity, while the CoFe alloy facilitates both hydrogen and oxygen evolution by optimizing intermediate adsorption and corrosion resistance. Additionally, metal phosphides modulate the electronic structure for enhanced HER and OER activity. CeO2 contributes oxygen vacancies and a reversible Ce3+/Ce4+ redox couple, further boosting charge transfer and interfacial stability. As a result, P–C–CoFe@CeO2 demonstrates excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performance, requiring overpotentials of only 142 mV for HER and 244 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2. For overall water splitting, it achieves 1.66 V with 91 % current retention over 120 h. These findings underscore the promise of P–C–CoFe@CeO2 as an efficient, robust, low-cost electrocatalyst for alkaline water electrolysis.
Subjects
Electrocatalytic water splitting
Hydrogen evolution reaction
Layered double hydroxides
Metal phosphides
Oxygen evolution reaction
Prussian blue analogs
SDGs
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Type
journal article