Physico-chemically Controlled Electron Configuration of Transition Metals in Perovskites: A New Strategy to Boost the Catalytic Activity for Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Durability in Water Splitting System

Abstract

As hydrogen has attracted attention as an next generation energy source due to its high energy density and eco-friendly electricity generation process, researches for hydrogen generation technologies have been actively conducted such as reforming fossil fuels, biohydrogen, and water electrolysis, etc. Among them, a water splitting system which is one of the water electrolysis types is considered a desirable hydrogen generating device because it enables continue hydrogen generation without pollution. For the commercialization of water splitting system, however, developing a cost-effective and efficient electro-catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and long-term durability are important.

Recently, many studies have been conducted to utilize perovskite oxides as electrocatalysts replacing conventional noble-based catalysts due to great catalytic activities, structural stability, low cost and diverse doping capabilities of perovskite oxides. Furthermore, there have been many researches about to enhance the electrochemical catalytic activities of perovskite oxides such as controlling morphology of perovskite oxides, doping element to A-/B-sites, synthesizing composite materials, and so on.

In this dissertation, a composite catalyst composed of perovskite oxide and electron donor was designed through physico-chemical synthesis method, which improve the performance of water splitting system by enhancing the catalytic activity for OER by controlling the electronic configuration of transition metal in perovskite oxides. Herein, my study about a composite catalyst using perovskite oxide and electron donor through super-milling treatment for enhancing the catalytic activity for OER is suggested as following:

- Physico-chemically controlled electron Configuration of transition metals in perovskites: A new strategy to boost the catalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction and durability in water splitting system