Ethanol-mediated electrochemical reconstruction for efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are vital for industrial-scale green hydrogen production.
• Nickel-based catalysts are promising for OER but require enhanced activity and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative ethanol-mediated electrochemical surface reconstruction strategy to enhance the OER activity of nickel-based catalysts.
• To investigate the transformation mechanism and its impact on catalyst performance.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical surface reconstruction using an ethanol-mediated strategy.
• Characterization of catalyst structure, microstructure, and electronic properties before and after reconstruction.
• Evaluation of OER activity and durability through electrochemical measurements.

Main Results:

• The reconstructed Ni(OH)2-R catalyst exhibited significantly enhanced OER activity, requiring a low overpotential of 270 mV at 100 mA cm⁻².
• The strategy successfully promoted the transformation to the active γ-NiOOH phase, increasing Ni³⁺ active sites and optimizing catalyst properties.
• The method was effective on Mo-doped Ni(OH)2 and commercial nickel mesh, and the catalyst activity was regenerable after long-term operation.

Conclusions:

• The ethanol-mediated electrochemical reconstruction is a cost-effective and simple method to significantly improve nickel-based OER catalysts.
• This strategy offers promising prospects for industrial applications in water electrolysis for green hydrogen production.
• The in situ activity regeneration capability extends catalyst lifespan, making it suitable for long-term industrial use.