journal article·2026Open access

Noble-metal-free, atomically thin CuInP 2 N x nanosheets as highly efficient, stable, and low-cost electrocatalysts in acid oxygen evolution reactions

Wentao Hou, Xin Zhou, Tingting Cheng, Haoqiang Chi, Yongcai Zhang, Chen Zhuang, Yubin Zheng, Xiaohui Zhong, Zhigang Zou, Yong Zhou

Nanoscale· Volume 18· Issue 11

Abstract

Highly active and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic conditions are highly desired for renewable energy nowadays. In this work, a new type of noble-metal-free, atomically thin CuInP2Nx nanosheets was synthesized through the facile nitridation of the corresponding CuInP2S6 and utilized for electrocatalytic water splitting. The combined merits of metal nitrides and the 2D morphology improved the OER performance, achieving an overpotential of 356 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a long-term durability of 60 h in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The changes in the electronic structure with the introduction of N in CuInP2Nx efficiently lower the energy barriers of intermediates, especially those of OH* and OOH*, thus causing the OER process to be more thermodynamically favourable. This work may provide inspiration for the exploration of cost-effective, novel transition-metal nitride catalysts with excellent OER performance and stability.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion · Advanced battery technologies research · CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Physics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology, Eco-materials and Renewable Energy Research Center (ERERC), National Laboratory of Solid-State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210093, P. R. China

Interdisciplinary Research Center for Biology and Chemistry, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116029, P. R. China

College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116622, P. R. China

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, P. R. China

School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, Anhui, 241000, P. R. China

School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, P. R. China

Funding

National Basic Research Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Guangdong Provincial Introduction of Innovative Research and Development Team · Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Eco-materials and Renewable Energy

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