Investigating enhanced OER activity through novel MnMoSe2/ppy composite material in alkaline medium

Abstract

The development of reliable and economically viable functional catalysts for alkaline water oxidation is crucial for progressing electrocatalytic water splitting technologies. This article outlines a novel strategy utilizing a distinctive heterostructure catalyst, carefully crafted to improve efficiency in OER. Through a sophisticated hydrothermal synthesis method followed by solid state grinding, we have synthesized a novel MnMoSe2/ppy material showcasing enhanced electrocatalytic properties and numerous active sites, which effectively reduces overpotential. The morphological and crystal structure of the MnMoSe2/ppy catalyst was determined utilizing HR-TEM, FE-SEM, and PXRD. The outcomes indicate that the MnMoSe2/ppy composite demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance, starting OER at a notably lesser overpotential (η10) of 205 mV (vs. RHE), accompanied by a lower Tafel slope which is found to be 70 mV dec−1. The operando UV–Vis spectro-electrochemical analysis sheds light on the active intermediate species that participate in the OER, offering important insights into the catalytic mechanism. This study presents a novel high-performance catalyst and marks a considerable progression in renewable energy technology development, providing a viable solution for sustainable energy applications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.