2D Ferromagnetic M₃GeTe₂ (M = Ni/Fe) for Boosting Intermediates Adsorption toward Faster Water Oxidation

AbstractIn this work, 2D ferromagnetic M3GeTe2 (MGT, M = Ni/Fe) nanosheets with rich atomic Te vacancies (2D‐MGTv) are demonstrated as efficient OER electrocatalyst via a general mechanical exfoliation strategy. X‐ray absorption spectra (XAS) and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) results validate the dominant presence of metal‐O moieties and rich Te vacancies, respectively. The formed Te vacancies are active for the adsorption of OH* and O* species while the metal‐O moieties promote the O* and OOH* adsorption, contributing synergistically to the faster oxygen evolution kinetics. Consequently, 2D‐Ni3GeTe2v exhibits superior OER activity with only 370 mV overpotential to reach the current density of 100 mA cm−2 and turnover frequency (TOF) value of 101.6 s−1 at the overpotential of 200 mV in alkaline media. Furthermore, a 2D‐Ni3GeTe2v‐based anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis cell (1 cm2) delivers a current density of 1.02 and 1.32 A cm−2 at the voltage of 3 V feeding with 0.1 and 1 m KOH solution, respectively. The demonstrated metal‐O coordination with abundant atomic vacancies for ferromagnetic M3GeTe2 and the easily extended preparation strategy would enlighten the rational design and fabrication of other ferromagnetic materials for wider electrocatalytic applications.