We report a type of transition metal selenide (Fe 40 Co 40 Se 20 ) thin films supported on carbon fiber paper (CFP) (Fe 40 Co 40 Se 20 /CFP) and study the effects of the substrate temperature during thin film deposition on the electrocatalytic performance of the films in the oxygen evolution reaction. Fe 40 Co 40 Se 20 /CFP thin films were deposited by vacuum magnetron sputtering at substrate temperatures of 308, 393, and 573 K. In 1 M KOH, the amorphous film deposited at 393 K exhibited better comprehensive electrocatalytic activity and stability than that of the Fe 40 Co 40 Se 20 /CFP thin films deposited under other conditions, achieving a low overpotential of 307 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 and low Tafel slope of 35 mV dec −1 . These results reveal that an appropriate substrate temperature during film formation improves the catalytic performance of thin film catalysts to some extent. A combination of low charge resistance and large electrochemically active surface area contributes to the electrocatalytic performance of the Fe 40 Co 40 Se 20 /CFP thin films.

Amorphous Fe−Co−P−C films supported on carbon fiber paper were prepared by using an inexpensive conventional magnetron co‐sputtering technique, and the effects of the Co content on electrocatalytic performance were assessed. These Fe80-x CoxP13C7 (x=20, 40 or 60) films performed well as electrocatalysts and exhibited good durability during the oxygen evolution reaction in 1.0 M KOH. Increases in the Co concentration improved the electrocatalytic activity, and the Fe20Co60P13C7 film produced a low overpotential of approximately 310 mV at 10 mA cm−2, with a low Tafel slope of approximately 31 mV dec−1. This material also maintained a constant overpotential for at least 20 h. Based on the results of this study, these materials represent a new approach to the development of highly efficient, inexpensive catalysts for water electrolysis.