Nickel-Iron oxide (NiFeOx) electrocatalysts have emerged as a promising and earth-abundant candidate for the efficient splitting of water into H2 and O2 for promising energy conversion technologies such as fuel cells and solar energy converters. Development of these catalysts has been slowed, however, due to the sluggish reaction kinetics of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), posing a major roadblock in future research. In order to systematically address this kinetic barrier, a proper analysis methodology is required. However, current methods employed to analyze oxygen-evolving catalysts reflect processes not commonly employed on the scale of industrial production, leading to a gap in information between the laboratory and factory. To address this, we report a protocol for evaluating the stability, activity, and conditioning over time of Ni electrocatalysts under basic conditions in a continuous-flow environment to better reflect industrial conditions. The continuous-flow environment is achieved through the development of a custom 3D-printed electrochemical flow cell (EFC). This methodology was then applied in evaluating the role of cycling potential window and surface roughness on the electrocatalytic activity of NiFeOx surfaces. This methodology revealed that the potential window used in electrode conditioning cyclic voltammetry (CV) scans had a significant impact on electrode activity when approaching potentials required for the OER.

Methodology & evaluation of the oxygen evolution reaction in a 3D-printed electrochemical flow cell

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.