Synthesis of ultrathin Co2AlO4 nanosheets with oxygen vacancies for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

In this work, we reported the synthesis of two-dimensional spinel structure of ultrathin Co2AlO4 nanosheets via dealloying and subsequent annealing processes. Oxygen vacancy defects were further introduced into Co2AlO4 nanosheets by a mild solvothermal reduction method, resulting in large electrochemical surface area and high active site densities, making the related Co atoms get electrons, and producing more empty orbitals. The positive charge of Co and Al atoms adjacent to the O vacancies in VO-rich Co2AlO4 reduced significantly, that is, more electrons are concentrated on the Co and Al atoms. Those electrons closed to the Fermi level have a promoting effect during the H2O activation. As a result, the obtained ultrathin Co2AlO4 nanosheets with oxygen vacancies show a low overpotential of 280 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 70.98 mV dec−1. Moreover, it also displays a remarkable stability in alkaline solution, which is superior to most of the reported Co3O4 electrocatalysts. The present work paves a new way to achieve efficient new energetic materials for sustainable community.