Self-Supported Spray-Coated NiFe-LDH Catalyst on a Stainless Steel Substrate for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Developing efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts is crucial for energy conversion systems.
• Nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH) are promising electrocatalysts but require optimized deposition methods.
• Integration onto robust and affordable substrates like AISI 304 stainless steel is key for industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and deposit NiFe-LDH catalysts on AISI 304 stainless steel substrates.
• To investigate the impact of synthesis and spray-coating parameters on catalyst properties.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance and stability of the developed catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions (OER).

Main Methods:

• Low-temperature spray-coating technique for catalyst deposition.
• Optimization of synthesis conditions, ultrasonic dispersion, and spray cycles.
• Electrochemical characterization including overpotential and stability testing at high current densities.

Main Results:

• Successfully deposited NiFe-LDH catalysts on AISI 304 stainless steel.
• Optimized processing conditions led to enhanced electrochemical and morphological properties.
• Achieved low overpotential (230 mV at 10 mA/cm²) and excellent stability at 500 mA/cm² for OER.

Conclusions:

• Meticulous optimization of processing conditions is vital for high-performance electrocatalysts.
• The developed spray-coating methodology is scalable and suitable for industrial catalyst integration.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for cost-effective OER catalysts.