Suppression of Fe loss to promote reconstructed surface via black phosphorus over NiFeB nanosheets for efficient water oxidation

Hydrogen production technology by water electrolysis highly relies on active and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). For Fe-containing electrocatalysts, the surface evolution during OER generally induces the dissolution of Fe into electrolyte. The excessive changed and dynamic surface quite puzzles the initial catalyst design, and moreover the excessive Fe loss could result in instability of the reconstructed surface, which might affect the formation of active species and the durability on the reaction interface. Here, we introduced a functional component of ethylenediamine-intercalated black phosphorus (eda-BP) to the Ni 1.5 Fe 0.5 B. Through electronic interaction between eda-BP and Ni 1.5 Fe 0.5 B, the excessive Fe loss during surface reconstruction process is effectively suppressed and the formation of Ni oxyhydroxide active species is facilitated, thereby enhancing the stability of the catalytic reaction interface. At the meantime, the ⁎ OH adsorption capacity on the reaction surface is regulated and the heterostructure catalyst exhibits significantly improved OER reaction kinetics. The Ni 1.5 Fe 0.5 B/eda-BP demonstrates a low OER overpotential ( η = 221 mV) at the current density of 10 mA cm −2 and sustainable activity. This work offers a facile strategy for improving the reactive interface for efficient and durable OER process. • The eda-BP suppresses excessive Fe loss during surface reconstruction for Ni 1.5 Fe 0.5 B, improving interfacial stability. • The ⁎ OH adsorption capacity is modulated and the reaction kinetics is enhanced. • The contribution of eda-BP is confirmed experimentally and theoretically. • The optimized eda-BP/Ni 1.5 Fe 0.5 B catalyst shows enhanced activity and stability.