Electrochemical water splitting using non-noble metal catalysts for green hydrogen generation

Electrochemical water splitting using non-noble metal catalysts for green hydrogen generation

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for green hydrogen generation, as it uses electricity from renewable sources to split water into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). 

Non-noble metal catalysts have gained significant attention in recent years as alternatives to expensive and scarce noble metals like platinum (Pt) and iridium (Ir). 

These non-noble metal catalysts offer the potential for cost-effective and scalable hydrogen production. 

Outlook Electrochemical water splitting using non-noble metal catalysts for green hydrogen generation

Here's how they are used in electrochemical water splitting:

1. Anode Catalysts: The anode of an electrolyzer is responsible for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), where water is oxidized to produce oxygen gas. Non-noble metal catalysts like nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and their oxides, hydroxides, or phosphides have been extensively studied for the OER. These materials often exhibit high catalytic activity and stability, making them attractive alternatives to noble metals.

2. Cathode Catalysts: The cathode of an electrolyzer is involved in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), where protons from water are reduced to produce hydrogen gas. Non-noble metal catalysts such as molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), nickel, and their sulfides, phosphides, or carbides have shown promise for the HER. These materials possess good catalytic activity and can be engineered to enhance hydrogen evolution.

3. Hybrid Catalysts: Hybrid catalysts combine different types of non-noble metals, metal oxides, or other materials to create synergistic effects and improve catalytic activity. For example, combining nickel or cobalt with phosphorus or sulfur species can enhance their performance for both the OER and HER, leading to more efficient water splitting.

4. Catalyst Engineering: Various strategies are employed to optimize the catalytic performance of non-noble metal catalysts. These include controlling catalyst composition, morphology, surface structure, and doping with other elements. Nanostructuring, alloying, and surface modification techniques are commonly used to enhance catalytic activity, stability, and mass transport properties.

5. Electrocatalyst Stability: Long-term stability of non-noble metal catalysts is crucial for practical applications. Researchers are actively exploring ways to improve the catalyst's stability under the harsh conditions of water splitting. Surface protection strategies, such as thin film coatings or surface passivation layers, can mitigate degradation mechanisms and enhance durability.

6. Catalyst Characterization and Screening: Advanced characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical methods like cyclic voltammetry, are used to study the structural, morphological, and electronic properties of non-noble metal catalysts. High-throughput screening methods and computational modeling also aid in identifying promising catalyst candidates.

Efforts to develop efficient non-noble metal catalysts for electrochemical water splitting are ongoing. By utilizing these catalysts, green hydrogen production can be achieved in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner, enabling the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.