Highly Active Mixed-Metal Nanosheet Water Oxidation Catalysts Made by Pulsed-Laser Ablation in Liquids

Abstract
Surfactant-free mixed-metal hydroxide water oxidation nanocatalysts were synthesized by pulsed-laser ablation in liquids. In a series of [Ni-Fe]-layered double hydroxides with intercalated nitrate and water, [Ni1–xFex(OH)2](NO3)y(OH)xy·nH2O, higher activity was observed as the amount of Fe decreased to 22%. Addition of Ti4+ and La3+ ions further enhanced electrocatalysis, with a lowest overpotential of 260 mV at 10 mA cm–2. Electrocatalytic water oxidation activity increased with the relative proportion of a 405.1 eV N 1s (XPS binding energy) species in the nanosheets.
Funding Information
  • Division of Chemistry (CHE-1305124)
  • Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation