PTFE as a Multifunctional Binder for High-Current-Density Oxygen Evolution.

Binder plays a crucial role in constructing high-performance electrodes for water electrolysis. While most research has been focused on advancing electrocatalysts, the application of binders in electrode design has yet to be fully explored. Herein, the in situ incorporation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a multifunctional binder, which increases electrochemical active sites, enhances mass transfer, and strengthens the mechanical and chemical robustness of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrodes, is reported. The NiFe-LDH@PTFE/NF electrode prepared by co-deposition of PTFE with NiFe-layered double hydroxide onto nickel foam demonstrates exceptional long-term stability with a minimal potential decay rate of 0.034 mV h at 500 mA cm for 1000 h. The alkaline water electrolyzer utilizing NiFe-LDH@PTFE/NF requires only 1.584 V at 500 mA cm and sustains high energy efficiency over 1000 h under industrial operating conditions. This work opens a new path for stabilizing active sites to obtain durable electrodes for OER as well as other electrocatalytic systems.