Physical vapor deposition of mixed-metal oxides based on Fe, Co and Ni as water oxidation catalysts
Physical vapor deposition techniques are proposed as new ways to synthesize mixed-metal oxides thin films as catalysts for the water oxidation reaction. The search of efficient catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction is a key point to develop economically viable hydrogen production technologies. Water oxidation catalysts based on abundant first-row transition metals are currently studied in the scientific community since they are cheap and environmentally friendly materials.
Simple and binary metal oxides thin films based on iron, cobalt and nickel are currently under study in our laboratory, using Electron Beam Deposition (EBD) technique.
The prepared samples are systematically studied through SEM microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and the electrochemical characterization of the catalysts has been carried out to show the relevance of synergic effects of mixed oxides in water oxidation reaction.