Herein, ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir) are introduced to tailor the atomic and electronic structure of self-supported nickel-vanadium (NiV) layered double hydroxide to accelerate water splitting kinetics, and the origin of high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities are analyzed at atomic level. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy studies reveal synergistic electronic interactions among Ni, V, and Ru (Ir) cations. Raman spectra and Fourier and wavelet transform analyses of the extended X-ray absorption fine structure indicate modulated local coordination environments around the Ni and V cations, and the existence of V vacancies. The Debye–Waller factor suggests a severely distorted octahedral V environment caused by the incorporation of Ru and Ir. Theoretical calculations further confirm that Ru or Ir doping could optimize the adsorption energy of intermediates in the Volmer and Heyrovsky steps for HER and accelerate the whole kinetic process for OER.

No abstract

All rights reserved 1 2 3 4 15 14 13 12 This volume is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgement on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.