We are studying new applications of layered zirconium phosphate (ZrP) inorganic nanomaterials in electrocatalysis. The θ phase of ZrP can be directly ion-exchanged with large metal complexes, producing intercalated phases useful for artificial photosynthesis schemes for water splitting, amperometric biosensors, and drug delivery applications. Recently, we have demonstrated improved electrocatalytic activity of ZrP nanomaterials loaded with metal ions suitable for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of water splitting. Adsorbing Co and Ni catalysts on the ZrP nanoparticles surface proved to improved OER activity compared to intercalated catalysts. A comparison between adsorbed Co or Ni catalysts and those catalysts on exfoliated ZrP nanoplatelets proved that those on exfoliated nanoplatelets were more active, with diminished overpotentials and reduced Tafel plot slopes as well as higher mass activities. Comparison between Co and Ni catalyst on ZrP particles with different morphologies (hexagonal platelets, rods, cubes, and spheres) revealed that the more active Co catalysts are those on hexagonal ZrP platelets, whereas the best Ni catalysts are those on ZrP spheres. More recently, efficient OER catalysts were obtained with supported cobalt porphyrin catalysts. We are exploring the OER activities of mixed-metal catalysts on ZrP as well as operando synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies to elucidate the nature of the active catalysts.

Zirconium phosphate supported electrocatalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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