posted on 2024-02-27, 21:43authored byJiangchao Lou, Junhui Liang, Xin Yao, Hong Ma, Yiqing Zhang, Huayu Chen, Laishun Qin, Yuexiang Huang, Ying Zhao, Da Chen
The efficiency of water splitting is primarily hampered
by the
sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Recently,
increasing attention has been drawn to leverage spin polarization
under an external magnetic field. However, the application of a magnetic
field requires additional energy consumption and poses design challenges.
Herein, we propose a simple defect engineering strategy aimed at aligning
spins in paramagnetic materials to achieve an enhanced intrinsic OER
activity. The hydrogenated NiFeP with P vacancies demonstrates elevated
saturation magnetization (MS) and reduced
overpotential (MS = 5.8 emu/mg, η10 = 303 mV) compared to the untreated NiFeP sample (MS = 1.2 emu/mg, η10 = 341 mV).
We elucidate the underlying mechanism of the spin magnetic effect
on the OER performance and provide insights into the intricate relationship
among vacancies, saturation magnetization, spin state alignment, and
oxygenated intermediates. These insights contribute to a better understanding
and design of catalysts at the spintronic level, paving the way for
more efficient water splitting processes.