(544bn) Electrodeposited Fe-Rich, Fe-Ni-Co Thin Films for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Hydrogen production by electrochemical water splitting is a promising renewable energy choice. However, the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limits the efficiency of H₂ production, and thus requires an electrocatalyst. While precious metals, RuO₂, IrO₂, and Ir/C are recognized as superior catalysts they are costly and rare (1). To this end, Fe-Ni oxides are well recognized OER electrocatalysts (2-4), that are earth abundant. An electrodeposited Ni-rich, Ni-Fe-Co thin film was reported that also demonstrated enhanced OER activity (5). Electrodeposited Fe-rich, Fe-Ni-Co is presented here and characterized. The alloys were electrodeposited from a boric acid-containing electrolyte onto rotating cylinder electrodes (RCE). The deposits served as electrocatalysts for the OER in a basic electrolyte with the RCE. A mass transport region was identified at large overpotentials for the OER. The Fe-rich, Fe-Ni-Co deposits exhibited high electrocatalytic activity (i.e., lower Tafel slope and overpotential) towards OER.

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4. Chervin, C. N., et al., ChemElectroChem 3, pp. 1369-1375 (2016).
5. Li, Y., et al., Colloids and Surfaces A:Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 506, pp. 694-702 (2016).