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Functionalization and Dispersion of Carbon Nanomaterials Using an Environmentally Friendly Ultrasonicated Ozonolysis Process
Published on: May 30, 2017
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SOx Functionalized NiOOH Nanosheets Embedded in Ni(OH)2 Microarray for High-Efficiency Seawater Oxidation.
Tanveer Ul Haq1, Mahreen Arooj1, Aleena Tahir2
1Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, UAE.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 11, 2023
Summary
A novel nano-micro heterostructure enhances anode durability in unpurified seawater by preventing corrosion and improving ion transport. This sulfate-functionalized nickel-based catalyst offers superior selectivity and long-term stability for electrochemical applications.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Corrosion Engineering
Background:
- Anodes in unpurified seawater face challenges including poor selectivity, stress, pitting corrosion, and limited long-term durability.
- Existing anode materials often degrade rapidly under harsh marine conditions, necessitating advanced protective strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nano-micro heterostructure for enhanced anode performance in unpurified seawater.
- To improve selectivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability of anodes.
- To reduce the overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through catalyst design.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nano-micro heterostructure comprising NiOOH nanosheets within a Ni(OH)2 microarray.
- Surface functionalization with sulfate (SOx) to create a cation-selective protective layer.
- Electrochemical testing at high current densities and long durations.
- Spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate reaction mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The sulfate-functionalized heterostructure exhibited cation selectivity, impeding chloride diffusion and enhancing corrosion resistance.
- The multilevel porous structure facilitated efficient ion and mass transport, ensuring durability at high current densities.
- The catalyst achieved a current density of 1 A cm⁻² at a low overpotential of 400 mV and maintained stability for over 168 hours without degradation or hypochlorite formation.
- DFT calculations confirmed that the Ni(III) electronic structure, structural interactions, and SOx functionality significantly lowered the O-O coupling potential.
Conclusions:
- The developed nano-micro heterostructure provides an effective solution for durable and selective anodes in corrosive seawater environments.
- The synergistic effects of the heterostructure design, cation-selective layer, and electronic modification enable efficient and stable oxygen evolution.
- This advanced catalyst design holds promise for various electrochemical applications requiring robust performance in challenging conditions.
