Unveiling the real-time impact of intrinsic binding energy on TMO electrocatalytic performance

초록

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have gained attention as alternatives to noble metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reactions, yet the factors governing their catalytic behavior are not fully understood. The intrinsic binding energy (IBE) is a critical factor influencing the TMO electrocatalytic activity. Hence, the present study systematically investigates the variations in catalytic activity based on intrinsic binding energy for CuFeO2, CuFe2O4, CuCrO2, and CuCr2O4 using operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The IBE differs depending on the constituent elements, with notable variations between Cu and Fe in CuFe-based oxides and similar IBE values between Cu and Cr in CuCr-based oxides. Moreover, layered structures with lower IBE values exhibit superior catalytic activity compared to their spinel counterparts. These findings highlight the role of the IBE in oxygen adsorption and desorption, offering insights into its influence on catalytic efficiency. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring the IBE and structural configurations for the rational design of high-performance TMO electrocatalysts.

키워드