On the Quest for Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalysts Based on Layered Double Hydroxides: An Electrochemical and Chemometric Combined Approach

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial process in various energy conversion and storage technologies, such as water electrolysis. Developing efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts is essential to achieve the com-mercialization of devices for the transition toward sustainable energy solu-tions. Herein, ternary layer double hydroxides (LDHs) are synthesized and characterized as electrocatalysts for OER using a potentiodynamic electro-chemical deposition method on Grafoil. A chemometric approach based onexperimental design is employed to rationalize the effort in the investigation ofthe LDHs which are based on Ni, Co, and Fe. The deposited films are char-acterized using cyclic voltammetry and X-ray diffraction to determine peakcurrents and potentials, and crystal size. Furthermore, the electrocatalyst performances are assessed by linear sweep voltammetry in 1M KOH fromwhich the Tafel slope and onset potential are calculated. The obtained data areused to derive models describing the material properties and electrocatalyst performance as a function of the electrolyte composition used during the LDHs electrodeposition. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between the electrocatalyst composition and its OER activity, enabling the design of more efficient and sustainable electrochemical systems for energy applications.