Precatalytic surface roughness of Fe-modified Ni electrodes translates into intrinsic sites for oxygen evolution reactivity

Key Points

• This study investigates how surface roughness affects the reaction activity of Ni electrodes for oxygen evolution.
• Analyzed surface roughness of industrial Ni foams compared to Ni(111) model surfaces.
• Examined the role of step-edge stabilization in intermediates like NiOOH and Fe-modified NiOOH.
• Conducted reactivity tests for oxygen evolution to evaluate performance.
• Surface roughness improved oxygen evolution reaction activity significantly.
• Enhanced performance was attributed to stabilization of key intermediates rather than just increased surface area.