Fe-Doped Ni3S2 Induces Self-Reconstruction for Urea-Assisted Water Electrolysis Enhancement.

Abstract

Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is an attractive alternative anodic reaction to oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for its low thermodynamic potential (0.37 V vs RHE). A major challenge that prohibits its practical application is the six-electron transfer process during UOR, demanding enhancements in the catalytic activity. Herein, a Fe-doped Ni₃S₂ catalyst with a uniform flower-like structure is synthesized in situ on nickel foam via a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The electrochemical properties of Fe-Ni₃S₂ are significantly improved since a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 only requires a 1.33 V potential and remains stable for 60 h. The structural characterization demonstrates a strong interaction between Fe and Ni₃S₂. After Fe doping, the active site increases, which promotes the formation of NiOOH on the catalyst surface, thus speeding up the UOR process. These changes are beneficial to charge transfer and optimize the adsorption energy of the intermediates. In situ EIS further confirms that Fe promotes electron transfer during the UOR process, reduces the interface resistance between the catalyst and the electrolyte, and lowers the driving voltage.