Self-supported FeNi layered double hydroxide anode with high activity and long-term stability for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as highly efficient high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts have attracted significant attention owing to their high surface-to-bulk ratios, controllably layered structure, and tunable metal compositions. The unique lamellar architectures of FeNi-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (FeNi-LDHs NPs) with OER activity and a prominent catalytic lifetime were first self-assembled on FeNi foam by a chemical corrosion engineering method. The obtained FeNi-LDHs@FeNi foam (FNF)-2 catalysts composed of FeNi hydroxides without any trace of NiOx species can function as active sites for an efficient OER. Moreover, considering the unique lamellar feature and partial crystallinity of FeNi hydroxides, FeNi-LDHs@FNF-2 can achieve a good balance between available active sites and electronic conductivity, thus endowing it with excellent oxygen evolution activity. This study affords an effective strategy to achieve optimized OER performance with a promising future for larger-scale non-precious materials in industry.