Ferroelectric electrocatalysts: a new class of materials for oxygen evolution reaction with synergistic effect of ferroelectric polarization

We exploit the role of the remnant polarization to improve the electrocatalytic performance of ferroelectric perovskite. We report cost-effective, noble metal-free, ferroelectric electrocatalyst Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 and the effect of remnant polarization on oxygen evolution reaction involved in alkaline fuel cells. The forward poling decreases the Tafel slope from 85 mv/decade to 39 mv/decade and also increases the mass activity by threefold. The effect of polarization on flat-band potential and the Schottky barrier between electrode and electrolyte contributes to enhanced electrochemical activity.