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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
09:02
Synthesis of Platinum-nickel Nanowires and Optimization for Oxygen Reduction Performance
Published on: April 27, 2018
Nickel based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution in high current density, alkaline water electrolysers
Xiaohong Li1, Frank C Walsh, Derek Pletcher
1Electrochemical Engineering Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK. Xh.Li@soton.ac.uk
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|November 16, 2010
Summary
Nickel-iron oxide is a promising oxygen evolution catalyst for alkaline water electrolysers. It shows stable performance at high current densities and elevated temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Modern alkaline water electrolysers require efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts.
- High current densities in electrolysers can cause IR drop, distorting electrochemical data.
- Nickel-based materials are candidates for OER catalysis in alkaline media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nickel-based materials as OER catalysts for high current density alkaline water electrolysers.
- To evaluate the performance and stability of selected electrocatalysts under relevant operating conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microelectrodes to mitigate IR drop effects at high current densities.
- Prepared high surface area nickel metal oxides via cathodic deposition.
- Synthesized mixed oxides, including a preferred Ni/Fe oxide, using thermal methods.
- Investigated the influence of hydroxide ion concentration and temperature on voltammetry.
- Conducted preliminary stability tests in a zero gap cell with an OH(-) conducting membrane.
Main Results:
- A mixed nickel-iron (Ni/Fe) oxide demonstrated superior electrocatalytic activity.
- The study defined the influence of hydroxide ion concentration and temperature on catalyst voltammetry.
- Preliminary stability tests showed no significant overpotential increase over 10 days of operation.
- The Ni/Fe oxide maintained performance at 1 A cm(-2) current density and 333 K in 4 M NaOH.
Conclusions:
- Mixed Ni/Fe oxide is identified as a preferred electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution in alkaline water electrolysis.
- The catalyst exhibits promising stability and performance under conditions relevant to industrial applications.
- Microelectrode techniques are effective for accurate electrochemical evaluation at high current densities.
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