Nanotubular TiOxNy-Supported Ir Single Atoms and Clusters as Thin-Film Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution in Acid Media

Abstract

A versatile approach to the production of cluster- and single atom-based thin-film electrode composites is presented. The developed TiOxNy-Ir catalyst was prepared from sputtered Ti-Ir alloy constituted of 0.8 ± 0.2 at % Ir in α-Ti solid solution. The Ti-Ir solid solution on the Ti metal foil substrate was anodically oxidized to form amorphous TiO2-Ir and later subjected to heat treatment in air and in ammonia to prepare the final catalyst. Detailed morphological, structural, compositional, and electrochemical characterization revealed a nanoporous film with Ir single atoms and clusters that are present throughout the entire film thickness and concentrated at the Ti/TiOxNy-Ir interface as a result of the anodic oxidation mechanism. The developed TiOxNy-Ir catalyst exhibits very high oxygen evolution reaction activity in 0.1 M HClO4, reaching 1460 A g-1Ir at 1.6 V vs reference hydrogen electrode. The new preparation concept of single atom- and cluster-based thin-film catalysts has wide potential applications in electrocatalysis and beyond. In the present paper, a detailed description of the new and unique method and a high-performance thin film catalyst are provided along with directions for the future development of high-performance cluster and single-atom catalysts prepared from solid solutions.