Work

Characterization of Raney Nickel electrodes for alkaline water electrolysis at high current densities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this work Raney Nickel electrodes produced by electrodeposition in a Watt's bath were compared to plasma-sprayed electrodes and bare nickel electrodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the electrodeposited material show a rough structure, resembling a “pebble beach” with electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of around 1000 cm 2 /cm 2 . The Raney Nickel electrodes show a high activity in hydrogen evolution and a direct correlation between the activity and the ECSA was found. Yet, the activity increase in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is much less pronounced with no clear relation with ECSA. The materials also show good catalytic performance at elevated temperatures and current densities up to 9 A cm −2 . However, longer term tests show a clear loss of activity, which is also apparent from SEM images that show loss of electrode material from the substrate.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.150941

Authors: Hsin-Yu (Stella) Chen, Glafki Angeli Alexiou, Filippos Vardalakis, Ulla Praisa, Matheus Theodorus de Groot

Institution: Eindhoven University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730