Zirconium Phosphate Layered Nanomaterials as Supports for Earth-Abundant Electrocatalysts for The Oxygen-Evolution Reaction

We are studying new applications of layered zirconium phosphate (ZrP) inorganic nanomaterials [1]. The θ phase of ZrP can be directly ion-exchanged with metal complexes and catalysts, producing intercalated phases useful for artificial photosynthesis schemes for water splitting, amperometric biosensors, and drug delivery applications. Recently, we have demonstrated improved electrocatalytic activity of ZrP nanomaterials loaded with metal ions suitable for the oxygen evolution reaction of water splitting. Electrocatalysts have been incorporated as intercalated species, surface bound, on exfoliated layers, and on nanoparticles of different morphologies (hexagonal platelets, cubes, rods, and spheres). Single and bimetallic electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant materials have been studied. Reduction in overpotentials and increases in mass activity have been achieved. Mixed metal NiFe-intercalated ZrP electrocatalysts at 90% Fe metal content proved to have superior OER electrocatalytic performance (decreased overpotentials, increased mass activities, reduced Tafel slopes) compared to adsorbed counterparts. We have recently prepared CoFe electrocatalysts systems and again the intercalated bimetallic system is more active than the surface-adsorbed one. We are starting to work also with Mn electrocatalysts. We are exploring OER activities of other mixed-metal catalysts on ZrP, bifunctional catalysts, and operando synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies to elucidate the nature of the active species. We are also exploring efficient solar H₂ production using these supports.<br/><br/>Reference<br/>[1] M. V. Ramos-Garcés; J. González-Villegas; A. López-Cubero; J. L. Colón. New Applications of Zirconium Phosphate Nanomaterials. <i>Acc. Mater. Res.</i> <b>2021</b>, <i>2</i>, 793-803. DOI: 10.1021/accountsmr.1c00102.