Development and Investigation of Manganese-doped NiFe nanosheet Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

ended

Water splitting is considered as one of the most attractive methods to store renewable energies, especially solar energy. Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a main bottleneck of the water splitting. Although hydroxides incorporating both Ni and Fe have been intensively studied due to their promising activity for OER, the reaction mechanism and active catalysts are still under vigorous debate. We propose to introduce manganese (Mn) into monolayer of NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH). We expect that Mn-induced synergistic electronic effect with Ni and Fe will lead to enhancement of OER activity. Moreover, we will probe the active sites of these catalysts using operando spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The project will provide guidance for the design of a novel class of multi-component OER catalysts, as well as revolutionary analytical tools for operando characterization of electrocatalysts. The project includes a comprehensive training program to enhance the career perspectives of the fellow.