Probing the Crystal Plane Effect of Co3O4 for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance toward Efficient Overall Water Splitting

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b07793
• Publication Date: 2017-07-31T12:40:39Z
• Authors: Li Liu; Zhiqiang Jiang; Ling Fang; Haitao Xu; Huijuan Zhang; Xiao Gu; Yu Wang
• Keywords: Dangling bond; Oxygen evolution; Crystal (programming language); Facet (psychology); Electrolysis of water

Identifying effective methods to enhance the properties of catalysts is urgent broaden scanty technologies, so far. Herein, we synthesized four Co3O4 crystals with different crystal planes and explored planes' effects on electrochemical water splitting through theoretical experimental studies for first time. The results illustrate that correlation catalytic activity established as {111} > {112} {110} {001}. exposed facets show highest OER (oxygen evolution reaction) HER (hydrogen activities. Upon fabrication in an alkaline electrolyzer, bifunctional {111}∥{111} couple manifests satisfying durability overall splitting. Density functional theory (DFT) explains facet possesses biggest dangling bond density, surface energy, smallest absolute value ΔGH*, leading enhanced electrocatalytic performance. This work will our vision improve various electrocatalysts by selectively exposing specific planes.