LAUSR

Abstract Electrocatalysts of NiCoFe hydroxides have been prepared successfully by a simple hydrothermal method, which show excellent electrocatalytic properties. (delivering 10 mA cm−2 current density at 230 mV, with a Tafel slope of 72.7 mV·dec−1). Furthermore, in order to further improve its electrocatalysis properties, the NiCoFe hydroxide is reprocessed by vulcanizing and acid etching, respectively. The electrocatalytic properties of the NiCoFe hydroxides after vulcanization is further improved (delivering 10 mA cm−2 current density at 200 mV, with a Tafel slope of 46.3 mV·dec−1). Similarly, acid etching is also a simple and effective method to promote the OER catalytic activity, which resulted in an exfoliation process and multiple defects. The NiCoFe LTHs is stripped into a thinner nanosheet structure, and the electrochemical analysis shows excellent electrocatalytic properties (delivering 10 mA cm−2 current density at 184 mV, with a Tafel slope of 37.8 mV·dec−1). Both vulcanization and acid etching show better oxygen evolution capability than the pristine LTHs in alkaline conditions with a small Tafel slope and good durability. This work will break a new and inexpensive path to promote the catalytic capability in an alkaline condition.