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Investigation of 2D graphite support for development of iron–graphite composite as electrocatalyst for alkaline water oxidation reaction

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Abstract

Inexpensive and easily available graphite powder is activated by a novel one-step solvothermal process and is tested for water oxidation reaction in an alkaline medium. The surface morphology, structure, and composition were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface area measurements. The FeOx–graphite composite electrode exhibits remarkable catalytic performance almost close to the FeOx–graphene electrode chemically treated under similar experimental conditions. The FeOx–graphene composite electrode shows an onset potential of 1.61 V vs RHE and an overpotential of 570 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 having stability for continuous 8 h of electrolysis. The Fe–O and Fe–O–C bonds are identified as inherent linkages responsible for electron transfer between FeOx and graphite. This one-step effective treatment for low-cost carbonaceous materials can be of great application toward improved alkaline electrolysis.

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Acknowledgments

Kamlesh acknowledges UGC for fellowship. Archana acknowledges SERB for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR– Advanced Material and Processes Research Institute, Bhopal, 462026, India

    Kamlesh, Manish Mudgal, A. K. Srivastava & Archana Singh

  2. Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India

    Kamlesh, Manish Mudgal, A. K. Srivastava & Archana Singh

  3. Raja Ramanna Centre for Advance Technology (RRCAT), Indore, 452013, India

    R. K. Sharma

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  1. Kamlesh
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Kamlesh, Sharma, R.K., Mudgal, M. et al. Investigation of 2D graphite support for development of iron–graphite composite as electrocatalyst for alkaline water oxidation reaction. Journal of Materials Research 39, 663–674 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1557/s43578-023-01259-4

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