Intercalated one-dimensional Lepidocrocite (1DL) structures have emerged as promising platforms for diverse applications due to their structural versatility and functional tunability. We recently developed a highly scalable, inexpensive and simple technique to synthesize quantum confined 1DL nanofilaments, NFs. X-ray diffraction, density functional theory and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the building blocks are 1D NFs with cross-sectional dimensions of ≈ 5 × 7 Å. These nanofilaments stack along 020 and grow along the 100 direction. Herein, we demonstrate that the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance can be significantly enhanced through the incorporation of cobalt and iron cations via intercalation. One of the resulting compositions, co-doped with Co and Fe in a 70:30 M ratio displayed an ultralow overpotential of 251 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm −2 . Long-term durability tests on this electrode (100 h at 10 mA/cm 2 , and 150 h at 500 mA/cm 2 ) indicated that the electrocatalyst was highly stable, exhibiting minimal degradation. Post-stability analysis reveals that the material remains on the electrode surface with uniform distribution and compositions. This work provides a new avenue for the development of efficient 1DL-based electrocatalysts through transition metal cation intercalation to enhance the OER activity. • New quantum-confined, water-stable 1D inorganic titanates developed. • 5x7Å 2 in cross-section, 1D lepidocrocite titanate with band gap energy of 4 eV. • Kilogram-scale production achieved using only plastic bottles and hot plates. • 1DL-CoFe-70:30 (molar ratio) shows 251 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm −2 . • Stable for 100 h at 10 mA/cm 2 and at 500 mA/cm 2 for 150 h.
Singh et al. (Sun,) studied this question.