Application progress of NiMoO4 electrocatalyst in basic oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The combustion of fossil fuels as the main source of energy supply for human social activities has caused a great impact on the global environment. At present, it is urgent to find new energy sources that can replace fossil fuels. Electrolytic water technology is one of the most promising new energy technologies, and it is of great significance in solving the problem of energy shortage and alleviating environmental pollution. Hydrogen has the advantages of high energy density, good environmental protection, easy storage and transportation, etc. The production of hydrogen using electrolyzed water technology is currently one of the most potential technologies. However, its large-scale industrial application is limited by the relatively high reaction energy barriers in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode. Researchers have recently designed various strategies, such as optimizing catalyst composition, designing structures, and doping modification, to improve OER performance. Nickel molybdate (NiMoO₄) has attracted much attention in the field of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in recent years owing to its low cost, abundant active sites, high surface area, and simple synthesis; however, there is no systematic review on its use as an electrocatalyst for OER reactions. Inspired by this, herein, we review the current research status of NiMoO₄ as OER electrocatalysts in recent years, focus on summarizing and analyzing the modification strategies to improve the performance of NiMoO₄ catalysts, and systematically discuss some challenges and perspectives. By analyzing and summarizing numerous reports in literature, we found that the deep reconstruction strategy is the most effective way to improve the OER performance of NiMoO₄-related electrocatalysts. The results are of great significance for further in-depth understanding of NiMoO₄-related electrocatalysts and for providing new ideas and methods for the development of transition metal electrocatalysts.