Synthesis of MFe₂O₄ (M=Ni, Co) Nanoparticles by a Bicontinuous Microemulsion Method for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Developing efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production through water splitting. In this study, CoFe2O4 and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as electrocatalysts were prepared via an inexpensive method involving the use of bicontinuous microemulsions as nanoreactors. The crystalline structure, morphology, and elemental composition of the electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and EDS. The electronic structure and textural properties were examined by using XPS and the nitrogen adsorption‐desorption method. The OER measurements were carried out in a standard three‐electrode system. CoFe2O4 demonstrated relatively higher OER catalytic activity than NiFe2O4 in 1M KOH solution, with a smaller overpotential of 410 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm‐2 and a smaller Tafe slope of 80 mV dec‐1. In contrast, NiFe2O4 offered a higher overpotential of 450 mV to reach the same current density. The superior performance of CoFe2O4 is ascribed to higher ECSA, better conductivity, and lower charge transfer resistance. However, both electrocatalysts showed stability up to more than three hours of continuous performance.