Electrodeposited nickel–zinc alloy nanostructured electrodes for alkaline electrolyzer. (8th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ganci, F.; Buccheri, B.; Patella, B.; Cannata, E.; Aiello, G.; Mandin, P.; Inguanta, R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 21(2022)
• Page Start: 11302
• Page End: 11315
• Publication Date: 2022-03-08
• Subjects: Alkaline electrolyzer -- Nanowires -- Nickel–zinc alloy -- Hydrogen evolution reaction -- Template electrosynthesis -- Nanostructured electrodes; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.09.221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Over the last decade, as a consequence of the global decarbonization process, the interest towards green hydrogen production has drastically increased. In particular a substantial research effort has focused on the efficient and affordable production of carbon-free hydrogen production processes. In this context, the development of more efficient electrolyzers with low-cost electrode/electrocatalyst materials can play a key role. This work, investigates the fabrication of electrodes of nickel-zinc alloys with nanowires morphology cathode for alkaline electrolyzers. Electrodes are obtained by the simple method of template electrosynthesis that is also inexpensive and easily scalable. Through the analysis of the morphological and chemical composition of nanowires, it was found that the nanowires composition is dependent on the concentration of two metals in the deposition solution. Electrocatalytic tests were performed in 30% w/w potassium hydroxide aqueous solution at room temperature. In order to study the electrodes stability, mid-term galvanostatic test was also carried out. All electrochemical tests show that nanowires with about 44.4% of zinc have the best performances. Particularly, at −50 mAcm −2, these electrodes have an overpotential 50 mV lower than pure Ni nanowire. NiZn nanowires show also a good stability over time without noticeable signs of performance decay. Highlights: Ni–Zn alloy electrodes were studied as cathode for alkaline electrolyzer. Template electrosynthesis was used as fabrication method due its scalability. Alloy nanowires with different composition were obtained. Tests in KOH solution were performed to found the best alloy composition. Electrodes with 44.4% of Zn have the best performances for H2 evolution.