Enhancing Alloyed Nickel Sites via Heterogeneous CoP3–Ni2P Modification for Highly Efficient Urea Electrooxidation

作者：Lili Zhang, Wenya Li, Mingming Yin, Chenchen Cui, Wei Ma, Zhen Zhou · 发表于：ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c06637 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion、Advanced battery technologies research、CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

To align with the high-energy conversion efficiency in the electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen carriers, it is pivotal to boost the reaction kinetics of the anode in the electrolytic cell. Electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) has gained attention as a promising alternative anode reaction to water oxidation due to its small theoretical oxidation potential. However, the application of UOR is confronted with great challenges due to the unsatisfactory current under a low potential. Herein, we developed a self-supported electrode, heterogeneous cobalt phosphide, and nickel phosphide-modified nickel–cobalt alloy nanotube arrays with nickel foam as skeleton support (CoP 3 –Ni 2 P–Co x Ni 1– x NTAs/NF) to improve the UOR performance by optimizing the local charge distribution of active Ni sites. The CoP 3 –Ni 2 P–Co x Ni 1– x NTAs/NF electrode exhibited excellent UOR activity with a low potential of 1.36 V (vs RHE) at 100 mA cm –2 . Surface structure analysis and electrochemical in situ Raman results revealed that synchronous CoNi alloying and heterogeneous CoP 3 –Ni 2 P introduction boosted the formation of the active Ni 3+ –O species caused by the modulated surface electronic structure of Ni atoms, thus accelerating the interfacial electrocatalysis. This work presents a new option for template synthesis catalysts for efficient urea oxidation reactions.