Microstructural control of Co3O4 nanoboxes for enhanced oxygen evolution in alkaline media.

In order to study the effects of nanostructure configurations on surface electrocatalytic activity, a facile way for the design of hollow Co 3 O 4 prisms with different configurations and sizes via controlling the reaction kinetics is developed. And their electrocatalytic performance is evaluated by a series of electrochemistry test. It reveals that open configuration for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysis possess conducive influence for charge transfer and oxygen desorption, endowing the optimal electrocatalytic activity. Accordingly, the optimal electrocatalytic activities of Co 3 O 4 is demonstrated by optimizing microstructure, which with a small overpotential of 358 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a lower Tafel slope of 56 mV dec−1. Comparable performance against noble metal-based electrocatalysts has been achieved. Image 1 • Hollow Co 3 O 4 prisms with different configurations and sizes were synthesized. • Optimal OER activity was demonstrated by optimizing microstructure. • Comparable performance Vs noble metal-based catalysts were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]