Electron-rich NiFe layered double hydroxides via interface engineering for boosting electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Modulating the local electronic structures of the active sites represents a promising strategy to improve the activity of electrocatalysts. Here, a facile interface engineering strategy is reported to fabricate electron-rich NiFe layer double hydroxide (LDH) by interfacing with conductive polyaniline (PANI) for significantly improving the OER activity. Experimental and theoretical investigations unveil that the unique electron-rich states of active metal sites in NiFe LDH via the strong interfacial coupling effect can optimize the adsorption free energy of reactive oxygenated intermediates. Remarkably, the electron-rich NiFe LDH electrocatalysts exhibit outstanding OER performance with a low overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, a small Tafel slope of 44 mV dec-1, and good stability.

Automated summary

A facile interface engineering strategy was employed to fabricate electron-rich NiFe LDH electrocatalysts, leading to outstanding OER performance with low overpotential, small Tafel slope, and good stability. The strong interfacial coupling effect optimized the adsorption free energy of reactive oxygenated intermediates, contributing to the improved activity of the electrocatalysts.