Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Performance of Ni-Co-Coated Graphene-Based 3D Printed Electrodes

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Additive manufacturing (3D printing) offers cost-effective and environmentally friendly production methods.
• Electrochemical applications benefit from rapid prototyping and tailored material properties.
• Nickel-cobalt (Ni-Co) alloys are explored for catalytic applications in energy conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrochemical performance of 3D printed electrodes coated with Ni-Co alloys at varying molar ratios.
• To evaluate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics of these novel electrode materials.
• To determine the optimal Ni-Co ratio for enhanced catalytic activity in water electrolysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) printed electrodes using additive manufacturing.
• Coating of 3D printed electrodes with Ni-Co alloys in distinct molar ratios (1:1, 1:4, 4:1).
• Electrochemical characterization, including Tafel slope and overpotential measurements for HER.

Main Results:

• Ni-Co coated 3D electrodes exhibit enhanced kinetic performance for HER compared to uncoated electrodes.
• The Ni/Co/1:4 coated electrode shows the highest kinetic activity for HER.
• The Ni/Co/1:4 electrode achieved a Tafel slope of 164.65 mV/dec, an overpotential of 101.92 mV, and an 81.2% higher current density.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing combined with Ni-Co alloy coatings is a promising approach for developing high-performance electrochemical electrodes.
• The Ni/Co/1:4 ratio demonstrates superior catalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reactions.
• This study offers a new perspective for high-efficiency water electrolysis using advanced electrode designs.