MnCo2S4@Polyaniline nanohybrid as high-performance electrocatalyst for enhanced OER performance
摘要
Electrochemical water splitting is recognized as feasible technique for generating energy from sustainable resources. However, the overpotential required for slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains significant limitation to its extensive application. In this work, a MnCo2S4@PANI nanohybrid was fabricated via a hydrothermal method to enhance H₂O oxidation process. This hybrid electrocatalyst exhibits superior OER activity compared to both pure MnCo2S4 and PANI. Morphological and structural analysis were conducted utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface region analysis confirmed the nanohybrid’s functionality, thermal stability and enhanced surface region. Electrochemical evaluation in 1 M KOH demonstrated the MnCo2S4@PANI hybrids’ excellent durability for up to 30 h. The incorporation of PANI significantly reduced overpotential (248 mV), Tafel slope (35 mV dec⁻1) and solution resistance (Rs) = 0.76 Ω), thereby enhancing OER performance. The improved electrocatalytic activity is attributed to nanohybrid’s improved crystallinity, higher porosity, and larger surface area, which collectively promote intrinsic catalytic efficiency and structural stability. Furthermore, the synergistic interaction between MnCo2S4 and PANI renders the material more effective for OER electrocatalysis.