Preparation of Zr doped NiFe LDH@NiFe2O4/NF as environmentally friendly and robust water and urea oxidation reaction electrocatalyst

Hydrogen production through electrocatalytic water splitting or urea splitting has been considered one of the most fascinating methods to relieve the energy pressure. In this paper, the effects of Zr introduction on formation of NiFe2O4 and catalytic activity are studied. Using oxygen evolution and urea oxidation as concerned reactions, the effects of different dosage on the catalytic performance of the materials were performed. It was found that the Zr-NiFe LDH@NiFe2O4/NF-1 material exhibited superior water oxidation properties (overpotential of 290 mV @100 mA cm- 2). For urea oxidation reaction, the catalytic performance of this NiFe LDH material is better at low current density. However, at high current densities, this Zr-NiFe LDH@NiFe2O4/NF-1 electrode exhibits better electrochemistry performance. It is proved that the oxidation of water also contributes a part of the activity under large current. Density functional theory also suggests that the NiFe2O4 material is favorable for water adsorption. This work will provide novel opinion for the development of environmentally friendly and low cost materials.