Lattice–Interface Synergy in NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide on Co, La Doped CeO₂ for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts are essential for sustainable production of hydrogen via water electrolysis. Here, we present a lattice–interface synergy strategy to construct a heterostructured catalyst by electrodepositing ultrathin NiFe-LDH nanosheets onto Co, La codoped CeO₂ supported on copper foam. The hydrothermally synthesized Co,La-CeO₂ introduces controllable lattice strain and abundant oxygen vacancies, thereby enhancing conductivity and structural stability. The presence of robust interfacial interaction between NiFe-LDH and Co,La-CeO₂ promotes charge transfer and optimizes the adsorption of oxygen intermediates. Consequently, the NiFe-LDH/Co,La-CeO₂/CF electrode achieves an overpotential of only 230 mV at 50 mA cm⁻² with a Tafel slope of 74.65 mV dec⁻¹, and maintains 97.14% of its original current density after 50 h of continuous testing. This work underscores the importance of lattice doping and interface engineering in catalyst design and offers a general framework for developing high-performance non-precious-metal OER catalysts.