Fe2O3 nanocatalysts on N-doped carbon nanomaterial for highly efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution in alkaline

Hydrogen production from electrolyzed water is by far the most effective method, and the preparation of inexpensive catalysts for efficient electrolysis of water is the focus of scientists' research. In this study, it is reported that the transition metal oxide Fe2O3 nanocatalysts on N-doped carbon nanomaterials has good electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction under alkaline media. The transition metal oxides for hydrogen evolution reaction is rarely reported, while the iron-based oxides material with good electrochemical performance for hydrogen evolution reaction are few. Among them, Fe2O3NCs calcined at 800 °C receives the best electrochemical performance because it has excellent electrochemical kinetics (Tafel slope = 76.6 mV dec−1) and good stability (At an overpotential of 350 mV, stable hydrogen evolution can be maintained at 48 h) in 1 M KOH. In addition, Fe2O3NCs calcined at 800 °C is prepared by simple and inexpensive raw materials, and it is One-step synthesis, which is suitable for mass production. These advantages of this material has great potential in electrolyzed water applications.