Manganese Oxoborate-Based Nanostructures as Novel Oxygen Evolution Catalysts in Neutral Media

Abstract

The development of electrocatalysts for the OER (oxygen evolution reaction) process is an ongoing challenge in producing sustainable energy systems. Herein, we report QS (quasi-spherical), IR (irregular), and NR (nanorod) Mn2OBO3 (manganese oxoborate), modified with a carbon support, as candidate electrocatalysts for OER in a neutral medium. QS-, IR- and NR-Mn2OBO3 catalysts displayed low onset potentials of 201 mV, 205 mV, and 208 mV and Tafel slope results of 94 mV dec(-1), 97 mV dec(-1), and 106 mV dec(-1), respectively. As a result of the long-term stability tests, it was determined that the NR-Mn2OBO3 sample was extremely stable compared to the QS- and IR-catalysts. This work introduces a new Mn2OBO3/C composite catalyst that displays efficient OER performance at a neutral medium and provides a different perspective for catalyst development strategies.