A novel nickel electrode with gradient porosity distribution for alkaline water splitting. (21st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yapeng; Liu, Taikai; Dong, Dongdong; Jiang, Xinge; Deng, Chunming; Liu, Min
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 45:Number 46(2020)
• Page Start: 24248
• Page End: 24252
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21
• Subjects: Hydrogen production -- Nickel electrode -- Gradient porosity distribution -- Alkaline water splitting; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.06.297
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Electrodes with porous structures are widely used in commercial alkaline water splitting devices. By optimizing the porous structure, the efficiency of alkaline water splitting devices could be evidently promoted. In this work, nickel electrodes with gradient porosity distribution were designed and fabricated through selective laser melting. The effect of gradient porous distribution structure on electrochemical performance of Ni electrode was evaluated. The results showed that with small pores towards counter electrode the prepared Ni electrodes exhibits better anodic performance, and a better cathodic performance is observed with big pores towards the counter electrode. It was considered as joint effect of active specific area and mass transfer. Finally, by applying an electrolysis cell with optimized arrangement, an improvement of 14% electrolysis efficiency is achieved, which shows the potential of Ni electrodes with gradient porosity distribution to be applied in commercial application of hydrogen generation. Highlights: A novel nickel electrode with gradient porosity distribution is designed. Selective laser melting is used to make fully control of structure of electrode. A joint effect of active specific area and mass transfer on catalyst is observed. An improvement of 14% in efficient is achieved based on optimized electrode.