Ni alloy nanowires as high efficiency electrode materials for alkaline electrolysers. (19th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ganci, Fabrizio; Patella, Bernardo; Cannata, Emanuele; Cusumano, Valentino; Aiello, Giuseppe; Sunseri, Carmelo; Mandin, Philippe; Inguanta, Rosalinda
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 72(2021)
• Page Start: 35777
• Page End: 35789
• Publication Date: 2021-10-19
• Subjects: Alkaline electrolyzer -- Nanostructured electrodes -- Ni–Co Alloy -- Template electrosynthesis; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.11.208
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The fabrication and characterization of nickel-alloy electrodes for alkaline electrolysers is reported. Three different alloys (Ni–Co, Ni–Zn and Ni–W) at different composition were studied in order to determine the optimum condition. Nanostructured electrodes were obtained by template electrodeposition into a nanoporous membrane, starting from aqueous solution containing the two elements of the alloy at different concentrations. Composition of alloys can be tuned by electrolyte composition and also depends on the difference of the redox potential of elements and on the presence of complexing agents in deposition bath. Electrochemical and electrocatalytic tests, aimed at establishing the best alloy composition, were carried out for hydrogen evolution reaction. Then, test conducted at a constant current density in potassium hydroxide (30% w/w) aqueous solution were also performed. For all investigated alloys, very encouraging results were obtained and in particular Ni–Co alloys richer in Co showed the best performance. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Nanostructured Ni-alloy was used for hydrogen production in alkaline solution. Nanostructures were grown by template electrosynthesis that is simple and scalable. Arrays of NiZn, NiCo and NiW alloys with different composition were obtained. Electrochemical characterization was performed in KOH solution at room temperature. Electrodes made of NiCo alloys have the best performances for the H2 evolution.