Overview
Hydrogen produced by water electrolysis is considered a key technology for achieving carbon neutrality. However, conventional catalyst-coated electrodes often suffer from high interfacial resistance, complex fabrication processes, and limited durability.
To address these challenges, I developed a self-catalyzed NiFe foam anode using a scalable tape-casting process. Unlike conventional multi-layer electrode structures, the catalyst layer and porous transport layer were integrated into a monolithic architecture, simplifying fabrication while improving charge transfer and structural stability.
Research Approach
- Fabricated NiFe foam electrodes through tape-casting and thermal treatment.
- Investigated phase evolution, morphology, and surface chemistry using XRD, SEM, EDS, and XPS.
- Evaluated oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance through LSV, EIS, and durability testing.
- Integrated the electrode into an anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) system.
Key Results
- Overpotential of 249 mV at 10 mA cm⁻²
- Tafel slope of 33.4 mV dec⁻¹
- Stable operation for 60 hours
- Excellent durability under 5000-cycle accelerated stress testing
- Current density exceeding 1.8 A cm⁻² at 70 °C
Impact
This work demonstrates a scalable strategy for developing high-performance integrated electrodes for green hydrogen production. The monolithic electrode architecture reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining excellent electrochemical performance and durability.