Single Co3O4 Nanocubes Electrocatalyzing the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Nano-Impact Insights into Intrinsic Activity and Support Effects

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Manuel Corva¹  Niclas Blanc¹  Julia Linnemann¹  Hatem M. A. Amin¹  Zhibin Liu¹  Kristina Tschulik¹ 

[1] Analytical Chemistry II, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;

关键词: single-entity electrochemistry;    Co₃O₄;    oxygen evolution reaction;    nanoparticle;    support effect;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms222313137

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Single-entity electrochemistry allows for assessing electrocatalytic activities of individual material entities such as nanoparticles (NPs). Thus, it becomes possible to consider intrinsic electrochemical properties of nanocatalysts when researching how activity relates to physical and structural material properties. Conversely, conventional electrochemical techniques provide a normalized sum current referring to a huge ensemble of NPs constituting, along with additives (e.g., binders), a complete catalyst-coated electrode. Accordingly, recording electrocatalytic responses of single NPs avoids interferences of ensemble effects and reduces the complexity of electrocatalytic processes, thus enabling detailed description and modelling. Herein, we present insights into the oxygen evolution catalysis at individual cubic Co₃O₄ NPs impacting microelectrodes of different support materials. Simulating diffusion at supported nanocubes, measured step current signals can be analyzed, providing edge lengths, corresponding size distributions, and interference-free turnover frequencies. The provided nano-impact investigation of (electro-)catalyst-support effects contradicts assumptions on a low number of highly active sites.

【 授权许可】

Unknown