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Delocalized Spin States in 2D Atomic Layers Realizing Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Author(s) -
Chen Shichuan,
Kang Zhixiong,
Hu Xin,
Zhang Xiaodong,
Wang Hui,
Xie Junfeng,
Zheng XuSheng,
Yan Wensheng,
Pan Bicai,
Xie Yi
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201701687
Subject(s) - delocalized electron , spin states , materials science , nickel , catalysis , transition metal , chemical physics , spin (aerodynamics) , metal , oxygen evolution , nanotechnology , condensed matter physics , chemistry , physics , electrochemistry , electrode , biochemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy , thermodynamics
The electrocatalytic activity of transition‐metal‐based compounds is strongly related to the spin states of metal atoms. However, the ways for regulation of spin states of catalysts are still limited, and the underlying relationship between the spin states and catalytic activities remains unclear. Herein, for the first time, by taking Ni II ‐based compounds without high or low spin states for example, it is shown that their spin states can be delocalized after introducing structural distortion to the atomic layers. The delocalized spin states for Ni atoms can provide not only high electrical conductivity but also low adsorption energy between the active sites and reaction intermediates for the system. As expected, the ultrathin nanosheets of nickel‐chalcogenides with structural distortions show dramatically enhanced activity in electrocatalytic oxygen evolution compared to their corresponding bulk samples. This work establishes new way for the design of advanced electrocatalysts in transition‐metal‐based compounds via regulation of spin states.