Carbon-Coated CeO2-CoFe Core-Shell electrocatalysts derived from Prussian blue analogues for high-performance oxygen evolution reactions

초록

In this study, we synthesized a core-shell electrocatalyst (NC@CeO2-CoFe) composed of CeO2 anchored onto CoFe Prussian blue analogue (CoFe PBA) nanocubes, which were coated with polydopamine (PDA) and subsequently carbonized into a nitrogen-doped carbon shell. The synergistic interaction between CeO2 and CoFe PBA enhances electron transfer, increases oxygen vacancy density, and optimizes the electronic structure, resulting in superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. Furthermore, the PDA-derived carbon shell boosts electrical conductivity and prevents framework collapse or metal leaching during extended electrochemical operation. Owing to these features, NC@CeO2-CoFe achieves a low overpotential of 255 mV at 10 mA center dot cm-2 and exhibits a Tafel slope of 47 mV center dot dec-1, indicative of rapid reaction kinetics. Additionally, the NC@CeO2-CoFe catalyst demonstrates remarkable durability, sustaining stable performance for over 1,000 h at both 10 and 100 mA center dot cm-2 in an alkaline medium. This work highlights the potential of NC@CeO2-CoFe as a robust OER catalyst for sustainable hydrogen production via water electrolysis, addressing key challenges in stability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Insights from this study pave the way for advanced core-shell catalysts in renewable energy applications, presenting a promising approach toward scalable, sustainable hydrogen generation.

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