Dynamics of precatalyst conversion and iron incorporation in nickel-based alkaline oxygen evolution reaction catalysts

Mattinen, Miika; Schröder, Johanna; D’Acunto, Giulio; Ritala, Mikko; Jaramillo, Thomas F.; Stevens, Michaela Burke; Bent, Stacey F.

doi:10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.102284

Dynamics of precatalyst conversion and iron incorporation in nickel-based alkaline oxygen evolution reaction catalysts

Journal Article · Mon Nov 11 00:00:00 EST 2024 · Cell Reports Physical Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.102284· OSTI ID:2583343

Mattinen, Miika ^[1]; Schröder, Johanna ^[2]; D’Acunto, Giulio ^[3]; Ritala, Mikko ^[4]; Jaramillo, Thomas F. ^[3]; Stevens, Michaela Burke ^[2]; ^[3]

Univ. of Helsinki (Finland); Stanford Univ., CA (United States)
Stanford Univ., CA (United States). SUNCAT Center for Interface Science and Catalysis
Stanford Univ., CA (United States)
Univ. of Helsinki (Finland)

The efficiency of alkaline water electrolyzers is limited by the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The design of improved OER catalysts requires understanding of material changes induced by the electrolyte under oxidizing potentials. We compare four Ni-based thin-film precatalysts—Ni, NiO, Ni(OH)₂, and NiS_x—in 0.1 M KOH with and without Fe impurities. Precatalyst conversion to the active oxyhydroxide catalysts and their OER performance are induced and followed using cyclic voltammetry. Without Fe electrolyte impurities, the precatalysts convert at different rates to a similar, modestly active NiOOH catalyst. Added Fe impurities are incorporated concurrently with the oxyhydroxide formation leading to active Ni_1-xFe_xOOH catalysts. The NiS_x and Ni(OH)₂ precatalysts rapidly convert to oxyhydroxides both with and without Fe, while conversion of Ni and especially NiO is slowed down by Fe impurities. Choice of the precatalyst and presence of Fe impurities are key factors in designing active Ni_1-xFe_xOOH OER catalysts for electrolyzers.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division (CSGB)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-76SF00515

OSTI ID:: 2583343

Journal Information:: Cell Reports Physical Science, Journal Name: Cell Reports Physical Science Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 5; ISSN 2666-3864

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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