First-principle analysis of iron-doped hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet as a single-atom-catalyst for water splitting under extreme conditions

Presenter's Name(s)

Samira Ghanbarzadeh

Abstract

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate iron (Fe) atom-doped hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) as electrocatalysts for hydrogen (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) in water splitting. It reveals that Fe-doping density significantly affects catalytic performance, with mono-vacancy Fe-BNNS (9.09% Fe) showing a favorable Gibbs free energy change (ΔGH*) of -0.22 eV for HER. Kinetic analysis indicates low activation energy barriers (0.83 eV for HER, 0.59 eV for OER) for BN-vacancy Fe-BNNS. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at 500 K demonstrate excellent thermal stability, highlighting Fe@BNNS as a promising catalyst for sustainable energy applications.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Mads Almassalkhi

Status

Graduate

Student College

College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Program/Major

Mechanical Engineering

Primary Research Category

Engineering and Math Science

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First-principle analysis of iron-doped hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet as a single-atom-catalyst for water splitting under extreme conditions

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate iron (Fe) atom-doped hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) as electrocatalysts for hydrogen (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) in water splitting. It reveals that Fe-doping density significantly affects catalytic performance, with mono-vacancy Fe-BNNS (9.09% Fe) showing a favorable Gibbs free energy change (ΔGH*) of -0.22 eV for HER. Kinetic analysis indicates low activation energy barriers (0.83 eV for HER, 0.59 eV for OER) for BN-vacancy Fe-BNNS. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at 500 K demonstrate excellent thermal stability, highlighting Fe@BNNS as a promising catalyst for sustainable energy applications.