Construction of Fe₂O₃ Nanosheet Arrays by Sulfur Doping toward Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

It is indispensable to explore earth-abundant and high-efficiency transition-metal-oxide electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, their catalytic performance is impeded by the poor conductivity. Herein we rationally design and manufacture sulfur-doped Fe2O3 nanosheet arrays grown on iron foam (S-Fe2O3/IF) with enhanced HER performance in alkaline media. The obtained catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 134 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm–2 with a small Tafel slope of 76 mV dec–1 and shows an excellent long-term durability with barely any degradation for 50 h. The density functional theory calculation and experimental results demonstrate that the sulfur anion could optimize adsorption free energies of hydrogen/water and improve the intrinsic activity of Fe2O3. This work not only develops a catalyst with highly efficient performance but also provides design guidance to rationally manufacture an earth-abundant-element electrocatalyst for large-scale water splitting to hydrogen.

Asymmetric Exchange Interaction Induces Highly Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution in RhFe Bimetallene

“…Moreover, no so good hydrogen evolution performance is observed so far for Fe oxide materials. [ 16 ] Thus, combining with our other experimental results, for instance, non‐monotonous change of the magnetism with Fe doping content (Figure S17, Supporting Information), we can conclude that the current hydrogen evolution performance is closely related to the SARS in our BM samples.…”

Hierarchically Self-Supporting Phosphorus-Doped CoMoO4 Nanoflowers Arrays toward Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

“…The frequent occurrence of climate change and resource shortages have drawn widespread attention to hydrogen energy as a clean and sustainable source. − Among the existing hydrogen production technologies, electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) stands out in terms of being convenient, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient. − The most widely accepted electrocatalysts are platinum, , rubidium, , rhodium, and iridium owing to their low overpotentials, Tafel slopes, and good stability. The application of precious metals as electrocatalysts is restricted by their high cost and scarcity of elements. − In light of this fact, nonprecious metal catalysts have been extensively investigated. A number of catalysts with excellent performance have been proposed, including phosphides, − sulfides, − oxides, − hydroxides, , carbides, , and so on, which are expected to be promising substitutes for precious metal electrocatalysts due to their low cost and simple preparation methods. − …”

Construction of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Decorated for a Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity

“…The observed result suggesting that the composite of Fe 2 O 3 and dual (N and S) doping rGO sheets improve the electrocatalytic activity more than the non-doping rGO and pure Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles. The existence of N- and S-doped rGO significantly decreases agglomeration in the Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles and eases the charge transport …”