In situ borate generation by amorphous Ni–Fe–B nanosheets: a highly active electrocatalyst for oxygen generation in alkaline seawater

Abstract

Seawater electrolysis is a highly attractive route for sustainable hydrogen production, yet it demands oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts with exceptional activity and long-term stability. Herein, we report an in situ fabricated amorphous NiFeB nanosheet-modified nickel foam (NiFeB/NF) as an efficient and durable OER catalyst. Experimental and theoretical results confirm the excellent catalytic performance of NiFeB. In alkaline seawater, NiFeB/NF achieves current densities of 100 and 1000 mA cm⁻² at low overpotentials of 280 and 350 mV, respectively, and maintains stable performance over 300 h. Notably, the catalyst also exhibits excellent OER activity across a range of operational conditions.