Activating nickel foam with trace titanium oxide for enhanced water oxidation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Nickel-based electrocatalysts are crucial for water oxidation but exhibit limitations in activity and stability.
• Developing robust and efficient electrocatalysts is essential for advancing water-splitting technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the performance of nickel-based electrocatalysts for water oxidation.
• To investigate the role of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanosheets in improving nickel foam electrocatalysts.
• To understand the underlying mechanisms of catalyst activation and performance enhancement.

Main Methods:

• Anchoring 0.015 mg cm^-2 of TiO2 nanosheets onto nickel foam.
• Employing electrochemical activation to treat the modified nickel foam.
• Utilizing *in situ* Raman spectroscopy for mechanistic investigations.

Main Results:

• The TiO2-modified nickel foam exhibited significantly improved activity and stability for water oxidation after electrochemical activation.
• *In situ* Raman spectra confirmed the formation of highly active Ni(III)-O-O species on the catalyst surface.
• Trace amounts of TiO2 played a critical role in generating these active species and enhancing catalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• Electrochemical activation of TiO2-anchored nickel foam is an effective strategy to overcome the limitations of traditional nickel-based electrocatalysts.
• The presence of TiO2 nanosheets facilitates the generation of key Ni(III)-O-O intermediates, leading to superior water oxidation catalysis.
• This work presents a promising approach for developing advanced electrocatalysts for efficient and stable water oxidation.