Argonne National Laboratory

Research Highlight | Materials Science

Dynamic stability of oxygen evolution
In a study published in Nature Energy, researchers investigated the mechanisms that drive stability and activity in materials during oxygen evolution reactions. This insight will guide the design of materials for electrochemical fuel production.
Total amount of Fe in electrode (a and b) during chronoamperometry measurements at 1.7 V in (a) ‘Fe free’ electrolyte and (b) 0.1 ppm of ⁵⁷Fe containing electrolyte reveals the Fe dynamic exchange (dissolution and redeposition) at the interface during OER catalysis, as the quick dissolution of ⁵⁶Fe from the electrode is followed by immediate 57Fe redeposition from the electrolyte. (c) Schematic diagram of “dynamically stable” active site/host pair in electrode/electrolyte interface highlighting the role of M hydr(oxy)oxide as a suitable host for Fe species.

Scientific Achievement

Dynamically stable iron (Fe), as a result of dissolution and redeposition at the electrolyte/host interface, provides a general description for O2 evolution activity and stability.

Significance and Impact

Dynamic stability overcomes the limitations imposed by the thermodynamic instability of oxide materials and demonstrates new concepts of ​“stability”.

Research Details

  • Design of a new (electro)chemical interface was validated by an active site/host pair using a well controlled hydr(oxy)oxide cluster.
  • In situ and ex situ ICP-MS, in combination with isotope labeling, confirm dynamic exchange of Fe active sites.

DOI: 10.1038/s41560-020-0576-y

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