Multiphase NiCoFe-Based LDH for Electrocatalytic Sulfion Oxidation Reaction Assisting Efficient Hydrogen Production

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• The sulfion oxidation reaction (SOR) presents a viable alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for efficient hydrogen production.
• Developing highly active and stable electrocatalysts is essential for low-energy consumption hydrogen generation via SOR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a multiphase NiCoFe-based layered double hydroxide (NiCoFe-LDH) as an electrocatalyst for SOR.
• To evaluate the catalytic performance and stability of NiCoFe-LDH for hydrogen evolution.

Main Methods:

• Facile seed-assisted heterogeneous nucleation method for synthesizing NiCoFe-LDH.
• Electrochemical characterization of the catalyst's performance in SOR conditions.
• Testing under harsh industrial conditions (6 M KOH + 0.1 M Na2S, 80 °C).

Main Results:

• NiCoFe-LDH exhibits a unique microsized hydrangea-like structure with synergistic active phases.
• Achieved a low potential of 0.381 V at 10 mA cm⁻² for SOR, a 0.98 V reduction compared to OER.
• Demonstrated excellent stability for 100 hours and low energy consumption (1.42 kWh m⁻³ H₂).

Conclusions:

• The synthesized NiCoFe-LDH is a highly active and stable electrocatalyst for SOR.
• Multiphase electrocatalysis of SOR offers a pathway to low-energy hydrogen production.
• NiCoFe-LDH shows significant potential for industrial applications in hydrogen generation.