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Unveiling the Promotion of Surface‐Adsorbed Chalcogenate on the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Author(s) -
Shi Yanmei,
Du Wei,
Zhou Wei,
Wang Changhong,
Lu Shanshan,
Lu Siyu,
Zhang Bin
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.202011097
Subject(s) - oxygen evolution , chalcogen , chemistry , adsorption , leaching (pedology) , inorganic chemistry , electrolyte , transition metal , oxygen , catalysis , raman spectroscopy , electrolysis , metal , electrochemistry , electrode , organic chemistry , physics , environmental science , soil science , optics , soil water
Abstract Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) are efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) pre‐electrocatalysts, and will in situ transform into metal (oxy)hydroxides under OER condition. However, the role of chalcogen is not fully elucidated after oxidation and severe leaching. Here we present the vital promotion of surface‐adsorbed chalcogenates on the OER activity. Taking NiSe 2 as an example, in situ Raman spectroscopy revealed the oxidation of Se‐Se to selenites (SeO 3 2− ) then to selenates (SeO 4 2− ). Combining the severe Se leaching and the strong signal of selenates, it is assumed that the selenates are rich on the surface and play significant roles. As expected, adding selenites to the electrolyte of Ni(OH) 2 dramatically enhance its OER activity. And sulfates also exhibit the similar effect, suggesting the promotion of surface‐adsorbed chalcogenates on OER is universal. Our findings offer unique insight into the transformation mechanism of materials during electrolysis.