Insight into Ni-Based Catalytic Interfaces Empowered by the Magnetic-Induced Heating Effect toward Boosting the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The activity enhancement of magnetic catalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under the action of alternating magnetic fields (AMF) has attracted extensive attention. However, the magnetic-induced heating (MIH) effects of the catalysts and the current collectors are often intertwined, leading to significant controversy, as it is impossible to ascertain the true contribution of the MIH effect of the catalysts. To solve this issue and efficiently apply the MIH effect, we have developed a revised three-electrode configuration free from magnetothermal effect interference to ensure that the MIH effect in the testing system originates solely from the catalysts and designed Ni@Ni(OH) 2 and Ni@Ni 2 P core–shell interfacial heterostructures that can rapidly and fully respond to the heat generated from the ferromagnetic Ni cores. The more representative Ni@Ni(OH) 2 with a robust stability over 10 h exhibits an OER overpotential of 384 mV at 50 mA cm –2 in a 60 mT AMF, achieving an overpotential reduction of 178 mV that is double that achieved by the traditional industrial operating temperature of 80 °C. Additionally, the catalytic performance can dynamically and instantaneously respond at a second-level speed with the rapid fluctuations of the AMF intensities, presenting important potentials in the application scenarios under variable and critical working conditions.