Facile synthesis of bicontinuous Ni3Fe alloy for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction

Oxygen evolution reaction is a vital aspect of several energy generation technologies such as water splitting, metal air batteries. However, unreceptive thermodynamics and slothful kinetics of this process mandate the use of a noble metal catalyst. Substituting these noble metals by more abundant transition metals is vital for commercial application of these technologies. In this regard, we have developed a facile method for synthesis of Ni3Fe alloy with bicontinuous structure. The highly porous foam-like structure of the composite electrode offers numerous transportation channels for transfer of electrolyte and dissipation of the gaseous products. Moreover, the formation of a carbon layer during the synthesis of the composite improves the stability of the catalyst by preventing the agglomeration and dissolution of nanoparticles. Consequently, Ni3Fe nanoparticles with bicontinuous structure displayed enhanced catalytic activity for OER and required low overpotential only 248 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Excellent activity and long-term durability of theses Ni3Fe nanoparticles make them an ideal substitute for the noble metal catalyst. We believe this work can provide an easy way for the synthesis of highly porous nanoparticles. [Display omitted] •Ni3Fe alloy with bicontinuous structure was successfully prepared.•Ni3Fe-BC displayed higher electrochemically active surface area and low charge transfer resistance.•The porous structure of Ni3Fe-BC offered 3D pore network for facile transfer of the electrolyte.•Ni3Fe-BC demonstrated enhanced intrinsic activity and stability for OER.