Efficient NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide Electrocatalyst Synthesized via a Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Method for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Growing concerns over climate change and fossil fuel dependence drive demand for alternative energy solutions.
• Electrochemical water splitting is a key technology for producing clean hydrogen (H2).
• Efficient and cost-effective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts are crucial for advancing water splitting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, solvent-free mechanochemical method for synthesizing NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) as an OER electrocatalyst.
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic performance and durability of the synthesized NiFe-LDH for water splitting.
• To demonstrate the potential of this green synthesis method for industrial-scale hydrogen production.

Main Methods:

• Solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of NiFe-LDH through solid reagent grinding for 1 hour.
• Characterization of NiFe-LDH structure and comparison with conventionally synthesized materials.
• Electrocatalytic evaluation in a single cell with a membrane-electrode assembly under alkaline conditions.

Main Results:

• Mechanochemically synthesized NiFe-LDH exhibited structural features comparable to traditional methods.
• The catalyst showed an overpotential of 221 mV at 10 mA·cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 103.1 mV·dec⁻¹, indicating efficient OER kinetics.
• Exceptional durability was observed, maintaining 1.55 V at 0.1 A·cm⁻² and 1.75 V at 1 A·cm⁻² over 35 hours.

Conclusions:

• NiFe-LDH synthesized via a green, energy-efficient, and scalable mechanochemical process demonstrates excellent OER performance.
• This method offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for producing advanced electrocatalysts.
• The findings support the advancement of sustainable hydrogen production technologies for industrial applications.