Research on the synthesis of cobalt-based compounds and application in the oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The growing global demand for energy and reliance on fossil fuels have exacerbated environmental challenges, driving the urgent need to develop efficient and clean energy alternatives. Electrochemical water splitting, which produces oxygen and hydrogen through electrolysis, offers a promising pathway toward sustainable energy systems. For China, this approach may further decrease reliance on foreign fossil fuel supplies, enhance energy independence, and strengthen energy security. However, the oxygen and oxygen evolution reactions involved in water splitting suffer from slow kinetics, necessitating the use of highly active electrocatalysts. Cobalt-based compounds have attracted considerable research interest due to their favorable electrical conductivity and catalytic properties in water electrolysis. In this work, cobalt-based compounds were synthesized via a co-precipitation route to achieve controllable preparation. Their composition, electrical conductivity, and surface properties were systematically studied with the aim of enhancing electrochemical performance via synergistic effects between these characteristics. The materials were examined in detail using XRD, and SEM analysis was conducted to examine their microstructure and morphological characteristics. Electrocatalytic performance was further evaluated through electrochemical measurements, providing insight into the catalytic behavior of the synthesized compounds in water splitting reactions.