Pulsed-laser deposition of nanostructured iron oxide catalysts for efficient water oxidation

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014 May 14;6(9):6186-90. doi: 10.1021/am501021e. Epub 2014 Apr 22.

Abstract

Amorphous iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) for functionalization of indium-tin oxide surfaces, resulting in electrodes capable of efficient catalysis in water oxidation. These electrodes, based on earth-abundant and nonhazardous iron metal, are able to sustain high current densities (up to 20 mA/cm2) at reasonably low applied potential (1.64 V at pH 11.8 vs reversible hydrogen electrode) for more than 1 h when employed as anodes for electrochemical water oxidation. The good catalytic performance proves the validity of PLD as a method to prepare nanostructured solid-state materials for catalysis, enabling control over critical properties such as surface coverage and morphology.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't