Recent Advances in Nickel-Based Perovskite Oxides for the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Electrolytes

Abstract

Perovskites ABO₃ are very versatile catalysts that can change their structure in several ways to enhance their electrocatalytic properties. Among nickel-based perovskites, those containing lanthanum or alkaline earth elements at the A-site display notable potential for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes. Properties of nickel-based perovskites include the formation of mixed nickel oxidation states and the remarkable ability to accommodate numerous oxygen vacancies within their lattice. Oxygen vacancy content is an effective method to boost the electrocatalytic performance, and nickelate perovskites include a fascinating family of materials that exhibit oriented lattice oxygen vacancies: the infinite layer nickelates. However, nickelate perovskites remain a relatively underexplored area of research, likely due to the challenges associate with their synthesis. A major challenge lies in understanding the dynamic self-reconstruction of nickel-based perovskites under OER conditions. Monitoring this self-reconstruction through operando characterization is essential for precisely unraveling the causes of catalyst transformation and understanding the OER mechanisms. Leveraging these findings enables the design of more effective catalysts. In this Perspective, we aim to provide a summary of recent advances, insights, and suggestions for the development of nickel-based perovskites for electrocatalytic OER in alkaline electrolytes.