Synergistic Optimization of NiFe-LDH-Based Composite Electrocatalysts Through Ce Doping and RuO₂ Modification for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Efficient hydrogen production via water electrolysis is crucial for renewable energy.
• Developing dual-functional electrocatalysts for both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the HER and OER properties of NiFe-LDH-based composite electrocatalysts.
• To investigate the effects of cerium doping and RuO2 modification on catalyst performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NiFe-LDH-based composite electrocatalysts with cerium doping and RuO2 modification.
• Electrochemical characterization of the catalysts for HER and OER performance.
• Testing of a full electrolyzer cell using the developed catalyst.

Main Results:

• The RuO2-Ce-NiFe-LDH-0.01/NF catalyst exhibited low overpotentials of 48 mV for HER and 214 mV for OER at 10 mA cm-2.
• The electrolyzer using this catalyst required only 1.48 V to achieve 10 mA cm-2.
• The catalyst demonstrated robust stability for 100 hours of operation.

Conclusions:

• Cerium doping and RuO2 modification effectively enhance the bifunctional catalytic activity of NiFe-LDH.
• The developed electrocatalyst shows significant potential for industrial water electrolysis applications.
• This work presents a promising strategy for designing advanced electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.