3D Microporous Structure with Tunable Surface Roughness Enables Fast Bubble Dynamics for Efficient Water Splitting.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Water splitting is crucial for energy storage but hindered by bubble evolution at high current densities.
• Industrial application requires electrodes that manage interfacial destabilization and enhance reaction kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer 3D metallic electrodes with macro-micro architectures for optimized water splitting and bubble transport.
• To address challenges in industrial-scale hydrogen production through advanced electrode design.

Main Methods:

• Utilized selective laser melting for laser-assisted fabrication of 3D metallic electrodes.
• Engineered hierarchical architecture with macro-scale channels and micro-scale NiFe LDH catalysts (NF/3DP).
• Controlled laser energy density to tune surface properties like superhydrophilicity and gas repellency.

Main Results:

• NF/3DP electrodes exhibited superhydrophilicity, gas repellency, and low bubble adhesion.
• Achieved efficient mass transfer and reduced concentration polarization via collaborative 3D channel design.
• Required only 330 mV overpotential for OER at 1000 mA cm⁻², with 1000 h stability at 500 mA cm⁻².

Conclusions:

• The laser-assisted fabrication strategy provides a scalable solution for high-performance water splitting electrodes.
• Engineered hierarchical electrodes offer a standardized manufacturing approach for customized hydrogen production systems.