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Enhanced spin channels in spin-regulated pyrite FeS₂ for efficient OER

March 23rd, 2026

Enhanced spin channels in spin-regulated pyrite FeS2 for efficient OER — Polarization curves of the spin-regulated Co/Ni co-doped pyrite FeS₂ for OER (i), corresponding Tafel slopes comparative to that of precious RuO₂ (ii), overpotential values at different current densities showing the reduced overpotential via spin-regulated Co/Ni co-doped pyrite FeS2 (iii). Credit: *Small* (2026). DOI: 10.1002/smll.202514853

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is normally sluggish, which hinders most related electrochemical applications. In work published in Small, Co/Ni co-doped pyrite FeS₂ has been synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal process, which renders enhancement in spin polarization, electron transport, and lowering energy barriers for oxygen-oxygen bond formation.

The optimized 6% Co, 2% Ni-FeS₂ shows an overpotential of 193 mV at 10 mA cm⁻², a Tafel slope of 55 mV dec⁻¹, and high durability in OER, which surpasses the precious RuO₂.

"Detailed in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES), Fourier transformed spectra (EXFAS) and electron spin resonance (EPR) have been applied to confirm the electron spin engineering," said co-corresponding author Dr. Kuei-Hsien Chen, distinguished research fellow at Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica and Center for Condensed Matter Sciences, National Taiwan University.

"Density function theory (DFT) and atomic resolution STEM have been performed to understand the spin channels enhanced OER effect."

More information:
Ahmed Esmail A. Aboubakr et al, Single‐Source Assisted Synthesis of Spin‐Regulated Cobalt/Nickel Co‐Doped Pyrite FeS₂: Enhanced Spin Channels in Co‐Ni‐Fe Oxyhydroxides for Efficient Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction, Small (2026). DOI: 10.1002/smll.202514853

Provided by National Taiwan University

Citation: Enhanced spin channels in spin-regulated pyrite FeS₂ for efficient OER (2026, March 23) retrieved 23 March 2026 from https://sciencex.com/wire-news/535719089/enhanced-spin-channels-in-spin-regulated-pyrite-fes-for-efficien.html

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