A dinuclear iron complex as a precatalyst for water oxidation under alkaline conditions

Water oxidation is a key reaction for water splitting. The decomposition of Fe-based-molecular structures toward Fe-based oxides is a promising method for oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) through water oxidation. The decomposition of Fe-based-molecular structures method results in a slow decomposition of precatalysts and forms Fe oxide-based catalysts. In this study, the Fe species formed through the decomposition of a dinuclear Fe(III) complex under OER is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and the electrochemical method. In addition, using Ni(OH)2, a new approach is reported for detecting trace Fe species on the electrode surface. The resulting Fe oxide-based catalyst shows a catalytic current with an onset of 621 mV overpotential and the Tafel slope of 113.7 mV/decade at pH 11 in a buffer phosphate.