Rose-like NiFe-LDH/MoS<sub>2</sub> Electrocatalysts Achieve 1000 mA cm<sup>–2</sup> OER with Enhanced Charge Transfer and Seawater Stability
Xin Li, Yue Qin, Boyang Zhang, Boyao Zhang, Rongda Zhao, Jia Li, Depeng Zhao, Lihua Miao
Abstract
Developing highly active electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at large current densities is of paramount importance for water electrolysis. Herein, in situ growth of rose-like NiFe-LDH/MoS 2 heterostructures on nickel foam is prepared through a one-step hydrothermal process, which exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity. NiFe-LDH/MoS 2 catalyst drives an industrial-grade current density of 1000 mA cm –2 at a low overpotential of only 376 mV in 1.0 M KOH, with a small Tafel slope of 37.34 mV dec –1 . When assembled into an electrolyzer for overall water splitting, it reaches 100 mA cm –2 at just 1.9 V. Moreover, the catalyst maintains good activity and prolonged stability in alkaline seawater. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations confirm that a strong electronic interaction and charge redistribution between NiFe-LDH and MoS 2 optimize the electronic structure, boosting both electrical conductivity and catalytic performance. This work offers a viable new strategy for designing efficient and durable OER catalysts for both freshwater and seawater electrolysis.