Three-dimensional Ni foam supported pristine graphene as a superior oxygen evolution electrode. (30th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yuan, Weiyong; Pan, Yixiang; Li, Chang Ming; Jiang, San Ping
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 41(2019)
• Page Start: 22947
• Page End: 22954
• Publication Date: 2019-08-30
• Subjects: Oxygen evolution electrodes -- Carbon-based catalysts -- Pristine graphene -- Three-dimensional structures -- Ni foam; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.06.196
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) represents a major kinetic bottleneck for water splitting. Three-dimensional (3-D) Ni foam (NF) supported pristine few-layer graphene was utilized as an oxygen evolution electrode, showing an overpotential of 382 mV to achieve 10 mA cm −2 and a Tafel slope of 44.9 mV dec −1, both of which are lower than those of pristine NF and graphene and among the lowest reported for carbon and even transition metal-based catalysts measured under the same conditions, and much higher steady-state current density and much less reduction of current density after CV cycling compared to NF and graphene, with negligible current loss after 10 h chronoamperometry and 350 CV cycles. Its high catalytic performance is possibly due to the Ni-promoted OH − adsorption on and uniform dispersion and charge redistribution of the robustly attached graphene. This study not only provides a novel strategy to significantly enhance the OER activity of pristine graphene and creates a high-performance 3-D and binder-free oxygen evolution electrode, but offers scientific insight into the promotion effect of metal supports on the OER activity of pristine graphene. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Three-dimensional NF supported pristine graphene was used as an OER electrode. This electrode exhibits remarkable OER catalytic activity and durability. Ni promoted OH − adsorption, dispersion and charge redistribution of graphene. The robust attachment of graphene on NF contribute to its high durability.