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Ni electrodes with 3D-ordered surface structures for boosting bubble releasing toward high current density alkaline
Jugang Ma1, Mingye Yang1, Guanlei Zhao1
1State Key Laboratory of Automotive Safety and Energy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
|May 8, 2023
Summary
Electro-etching creates advanced nickel electrodes for alkaline water electrolysis (AWE). These modified surfaces enhance efficiency by improving active site exposure and bubble management, boosting AWE performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) efficiency is hampered by gas bubbles at high current densities.
- Bubbles block active sites and impede mass transfer, reducing overall performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance AWE efficiency by modifying nickel (Ni) electrode surfaces.
- To create hydrophilic and aerophobic Ni electrode surfaces using electro-etching.
Main Methods:
- Electro-etching was employed to exfoliate Ni atoms, creating micro-nano-scale rough surfaces.
- High-speed camera analysis was used to observe bubble dynamics.
- Accelerated durability tests were conducted under practical working conditions.
Main Results:
- Electro-etching generated 3D-ordered Ni surfaces with increased active site exposure.
- The modified surfaces facilitated efficient bubble removal, improving electrolyte circulation.
- The engineered surfaces demonstrated robustness and durability during AWE operation.
Conclusions:
- Hydrophilic and aerophobic Ni electrodes created via electro-etching significantly improve AWE efficiency.
- The 3D-ordered surface structure enhances active site availability and bubble management.
- The developed electrodes are durable for practical AWE applications.
