Template synthesis of molybdenum-doped NiFe-layered double hydroxide nanotube as high efficiency electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with four proton–electron coupled transfer process is a half-reaction that restricts the development of rechargeable metal-air batteries and water splitting devices, and it is of great significance to develop inexpensive and efficient OER catalysts. Herein, Mo-doped NiFe-layered double hydroxide (Mo–NiFe-LDH) nanotubes are synthesized using a self-sacrificial template method. Benefitting from the unique nanostructure, Mo–NiFe-LDH-2 exhibits a large electrochemical surface area of 63.94 cm2. In addition, a strong electronic interaction occurs between Mo, Fe, and Ni after Mo doping, resulting in highly active Ni3+ sites. Consequently, the Mo–NiFe-LDH-2 shows high OER activity with an overpotential of 317 mV to deliver a current density of 20 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 44 mV dec−1. This work provides a feasible strategy to develop high efficiency electrocatalysts through transition metal doping and structural regulation.