F/N Co-Doped rGo-Supported Anion-Modified FeCo-LDH for Efficient Energy Management in Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Hydrogen energy, as a zero-carbon-emission clean energy carrier, relies on electrocatalytic water splitting for its green production. However, the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) necessitate highly efficient catalysts. This study proposes an OER electrocatalyst design strategy by combining F/N codoped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with anion-modified FeCo layered double hydroxide (LDH) to optimize electronic structure and surface polarity, enhancing charge transfer and intermediate adsorption capabilities. The resulting NF-rGO@Fe1Co1-LDH catalyst exhibits outstanding OER performance, with an onset overpotential of 235 mV, an overpotential of 324 mV at a current density of 500 mA cm–2, and a maximum current density of up to 1021 mA cm–2. It also demonstrates excellent stability during a 60-h test. In situ scanning electrochemical microscopy visually demonstrated the electrocatalytic activity of NF-rGO@Fe1Co1-LDH for OER, and the kinetic coefficient of NF-rGO@Fe1Co1-LDH was calculated to be 9.85 × 10–3 cm2 s–1 based on the probe approach curve. In situ Raman spectroscopy confirmed that FeCo-LDH reconstructed into metal oxide hydroxide (MOOH) under applied potential, and MOOH served as the active species for electrocatalytic OER. This study provides insights for developing efficient and durable nonprecious metal OER catalysts.