Oxygen-vacancy-rich Co₃O₄@Fe-B-O heterostructure for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline and neutral media

Developing highly efficient OER catalysts is essential for producing hydrogen from water electrolysis to compensate for conventional fossil fuel shortages. Here, the oxygen-vacancy-rich heterostructure grown on the Ni foam (NF) (Co₃O₄@Fe-B-O/NF) is fabricated. The synergistic effect between Co₃O₄ and Fe-B-O has been proven effectively modulate the electronic structure and produce highly active interface sites, ultimately leading to enhanced electrocatalytic activity. Co₃O₄@Fe-B-O/NFrequiresan overpotential of 237 mV to drive 20 mA cm^-2 in 1 M KOH, and 384 mV to drive 10 mA cm^-2 in 0.1 M PBS, superior to most catalysts currently used. Moreover, Co₃O₄@Fe-B-O/NF as an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrode shows great potential in overall water splitting and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). This work may provide effective ideas for designing efficient oxide catalysts.