# Layered Porous Nanocubes: Harnessing Trimetallic PBA@WS2–Phosphorus Hybrid Architecture for Efficient Oxygen Evolution

## TL;DR

A new hybrid nanocube design improves oxygen evolution reaction efficiency through a layered structure combining metals, sulfur, and phosphorus.

## Contribution

A novel trimetallic PBA@WS2–phosphorus hybrid architecture is designed for efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalysis.

## Key findings

- The hybrid architecture achieves 280 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm–2 for oxygen evolution.
- The catalyst shows a Tafel slope of 70 mV dec–1 and 90.1% Faradaic efficiency.
- Phosphorus and sulfur anions play complementary roles in enhancing proton and adsorption kinetics.

## Abstract

The rational assembly
of multiple components in electrocatalyst
design offers a promising strategy to enhance sluggish oxygen evolution
reaction (OER) kinetics. However, the maximum utilization of such
complex systems requires an understanding of each component’s
role and precise nanoscale control to uncover meaningful structure–activity
relationships. This work presents a stepwise approach to designing
a high-performance OER precatalyst by combining trimetallic Prussian
blue analogs (PBAs), WS2 nanosheets, and phosphorus doping,
thereby forming a cooperative network within the designed M–S–P
heterojunction. Each step addresses a specific challenge, ranging
from structural templating and active-site enrichment to electronic
modulation and mass-transport optimization. The heterojunction establishes
a unique interfacial architecture in which both S and P anions are
electronically bridged to transition-metal centers. Multiple metals
in a core–shell configuration introduce redox diversity, enabling
cooperative electron transfer and distributing the oxidative burden
across neighboring sites. The dual anions play distinct yet complementary
roles: the P anion accelerates proton transfer, while the S anion
improves adsorption kinetics by donating electrons to stabilize OH*
and OOH* intermediates. Under operating conditions, the precatalyst
undergoes in situ surface reconstruction, forming the oxidized active
catalyst that delivers an overpotential of 280 mV at 10 mA cm–2, a Tafel slope of 70 mV dec–1,
and an impressive Faradaic efficiency of 90.1%. Our findings highlight
how the deliberate spatial arrangement and chemical integration of
distinct functional layers can unlock superior electrocatalytic behavior,
offering design insights for next-generation water-splitting systems.