CoC2O4·2H2O derived Co3O4 nanorods array: a high-efficiency 1D electrocatalyst for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Energy conversion and storage systems such as water splitting metal–air batteries require high-performance and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. Herein, we report the in situ development of self-standing Co₃O₄ nanorods array on Co foil (Co₃O₄ NA/CF) as a 1D OER catalyst electrode. Such Co₃O₄ NA/CF only needs overpotential of 308 mV to drive a geometrical catalytic current density of 15 mA cm⁻² in 1.0 M KOH with good long-term electrochemical durability. In addition, this catalyst achieves a high turnover frequency of 0.646 mol O₂ s⁻¹ at overpotential of 410 mV.