Insight into the biomass-derived electrocatalysts with dual function on overall water splitting and its mechanism-inspired modification

To achieve efficient overall water splitting, balanced reaction kinetics between electrodes is essential. Current research, however, predominantly focuses on single-electrode performance, overlooking inter-electrode synergy. This study develops a nanostructured bifunctional catalyst where NiFe alloy serves as the key synergistic active site. Through mechanism-guided modification, the catalyst achieves significantly improved HER/OER performance, with overpotentials decreasing from 304.8/310.2 mV to 146/298 mV at 10 mA/cm 2 . Systematic characterization (TEM/XRD/XPS) reveals the rate-determining steps and reaction pathway. The assembled electrolyzer requires only 1.58 V to reach 10 mA/cm 2 and demonstrates excellent stability over 11 h. This work provides new insights into the rational design and mechanistic analysis of bifunctional catalysts.