Surface Reconstruction of Cobalt-Based Polyoxometalate and CNT Fiber Composite for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Polyoxometalates (POMs), as carbon-free metal-oxo-clusters with unique structural properties, are emerging water-splitting electrocatalysts. Herein, we explore the development of cobalt-containing polyoxometalate immobilized over carbon nanotube fiber (CNTF) (Co4POM@CNTF) towards efficient electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). CNTF serves an excellent electron mediator and highly conductive support, while self-activation part Co4POM through restructuring in basic media generates cobalt oxides and/or hydroxides that serve catalytic sites for OER. A modified electrode fabricated drop-casting method followed by thermal treatment showed higher OER activity enhanced stability alkaline media. Furthermore, advanced physical characterization results demonstrate charge transfer kinetics high performance terms low overpotential, small Tafel slope, good extended time. The significantly achieved can be ascribed to electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) self-activated electrocatalyst CNTF. This research is expected pave way developing POM-based electrocatalysts electrocatalysis.