High-entropy alloy enables multi-path electron synergism and lattice oxygen activation for enhanced oxygen evolution activity

Tao Zhang, Hui-Feng Zhao, Zheng-Jie Chen, Qun Yang, Niu Gao, Li Li, Na Luo, Jian Zheng, Shi-Da Bao, Jing Peng, Xu Peng (), Xin-Wang Liu and Hai-Bin Yu ()
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Tao Zhang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Hui-Feng Zhao: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Zheng-Jie Chen: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Qun Yang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Niu Gao: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Li Li: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Na Luo: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jian Zheng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shi-Da Bao: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jing Peng: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xu Peng: Hubei University
Xin-Wang Liu: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Hai-Bin Yu: Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is key to several energy technologies but suffers from low activity. Leveraging the lattice oxygen activation mechanism (LOM) is a strategy for boosting its activity. However, this approach faces significant thermodynamic challenges, requiring high-valent oxidation of metal ions without compromising their stability. We reveal that high-entropy alloys (HEAs) can efficiently activate the LOM through synergistic multi-path electron transfer. Specifically, the oxidation of nickel is enhanced by this electron transfer, aided by the integration of weaker Co-O bonds, enabling effective LOM at the Ni-Co dual-site. These insights allow the design of a NiFeCoCrW0.2 HEA that exhibits improved activity, achieving an overpotential of 220 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. It also demonstrates good stability, maintaining the potential with less than 5% variation over 90 days at 100 mA cm−2 current density. This study sheds light on the synergistic effects that confer high activity in HEAs and contribute to the advancement of high-performance OER electrocatalysts.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58648-y

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