Tuning Complex Transition Metal Hydroxide Nanostructures as Active Catalysts for Water Oxidation by a Laser–Chemical Route

Diverse transition metal hydroxide nanostructures were synthesized by laser-induced hydrolysis in a liquid precursor solution for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Several active OER catalysts with fine control of composition, structure, and valence state were obtained including (Li x )­[Ni0.66Mn0.34(OH)2]­(NO3)­(CO3) · mH2O, Li x [Ni0.67Co0.33(OH)2]­(NO3)0.25(ORO)0.35 · mH2O, etc. An operate overpotential less than 0.34 V at current density of 10 mA cm–2 was achieved. Such a controllable laser–chemical route for assessing complex nanostructures in liquids opens many opportunities to design novel functional materials for advanced applications.