Vertically Ti3CN@NiFe LDH Nanoflakes as Self-Standing Catalysts for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Hydrogen production from water electrolysis is gaining interest as a source of renewable energy storage due to its high efficiency and low environmental impact. However, the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limits the overall efficiency of electrolyzer systems. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel electrocatalyst with a vertical structure, composed of Ti3CN MXene-modified NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) supported on nickel foam (NF) for efficient OER applications. The 1.0-LDH/3MXNF catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity, achieving a low overpotential of 247 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm−2 and a favorable Tafel slope of 67.7 mV/dec. This can be attributed to the transfer of excess electrons from Ti3CN MXene to NiFe-LDH, which reduces the oxidation states of Ni and Fe, resulting in a strong interfacial coupling between Ti3CN MXene and NiFe-LDHs. Additionally, the electrode exhibited exceptional stability, maintaining constant performance with minimal potential degradation over prolonged operation. These findings underscore the potential of hybrid LDH-MXene systems as advanced electrocatalysts for renewable energy applications, paving the way for further innovations in energy conversion technologies.