Layered Bimetallic Iron–Nickel Alkoxide Microspheres as High-Performance Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media

Herein, we report a simple solvothermal process to synthesize a series of FexNi1–x-glycerolates (FeNiGly, x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) and explore them as high-performance electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. These FeNiGly samples bear unique structures of hierarchical microspheres assembled by the interlaced ultrathin nanosheets or loosely aggregated nanoparticles, which ensure the electrocatalytic systems more efficient and accessible for the OER process. The FeNiGly exhibits an excellent OER activity with quite low overpotential of ∼320 and ∼380 mV to achieve the current density of 10 and 50 mA cm–2 in 1.0 M KOH solutions, respectively. Moreover, the FeNiGly also presents a good durability in alkaline electrolytes. The superior OER performance would be associated with the unique structures and strong electronic interaction between Fe and Ni in the FeNiGly.