On the feasibility of bifunctional hydrogen oxidation on Ni and NiCu surfaces

Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Media and Alkaline Membrane-Based Energy Technologies

Hydrogen energy-based electrochemical energy conversion technologies offer the promise of enabling a transition of the global energy landscape from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of electrocatalysis in alkaline media and applications in alkaline-based energy technologies, particularly alkaline fuel cells and water electrolyzers. Anion exchange (alkaline) membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) enable the use of nonprecious electrocatalysts for the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), relative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which require Pt-based electrocatalysts. However, the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) kinetics is significantly slower in alkaline media than in acidic media. Understanding these phenomena requires applying theoretical and experimental methods to unravel molecular-level thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis and, particularly, the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process that takes place in a proton-deficient alkaline media. Extensive electrochemical and spectroscopic studies, on single-crystal Pt and metal oxides, have contributed to the development of activity descriptors, as well as the identification of the nature of active sites, and the rate-determining steps of the HOR and ORR. Among these, the structure and reactivity of interfacial water serve as key potential and pH-dependent kinetic factors that are helping elucidate the origins of the HOR and ORR activity differences in acids and bases. Additionally, deliberately modulating and controlling catalyst-support interactions have provided valuable insights for enhancing catalyst accessibility and durability during operation. The design and synthesis of highly conductive and durable alkaline membranes/ionomers have enabled AEMFCs to reach initial performance metrics equal to or higher than those of PEMFCs. We emphasize the importance of using membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to integrate the often separately pursued/optimized electrocatalyst/support and membranes/ionomer components. Operando/in situ methods, at multiscales, and ab initio simulations provide a mechanistic understanding of electron, ion, and mass transport at catalyst/ionomer/membrane interfaces and the necessary guidance to achieve fuel cell operation in air over thousands of hours. We hope that this Review will serve as a roadmap for advancing the scientific understanding of the fundamental factors governing electrochemical energy conversion in alkaline media with the ultimate goal of achieving ultralow Pt or precious-metal-free high-performance and durable alkaline fuel cells and related technologies.

Graphene supported single metal atom catalysts for the efficient hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline media

Single Pt and Ni atoms anchored on the divacancy graphene exhibit both high activity and superior antioxidant capacity for the hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline fuel cells.

Recent Advances in Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction

With the rapid development of anion-exchange membrane technology and adequate supply of high-performance non-noble metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts in alkaline media, the commercialization of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) become possible. However, the kinetics of the anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in AEMFCs is significantly decreased compared to the HOR in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Therefore, it is urgent to develop HOR catalysts with low price, high activity, and robust stability. However, comprehensive timely reviews on this specific subject do not exist enough yet and it is necessary to update reported major achievements and to point out future investigation directions. In this review, the current reaction mechanisms on HOR are summarized and deeply understood. The debates between the mechanisms are greatly harmonized. Recent advances in developing highly active and stable electrocatalysts for the HOR are reviewed. Moreover, the side reaction control is for the first time systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities in the field of HOR catalysis are outlined.

Effect of the Synthetic Method on the Properties of Ni-Based Hydrogen Oxidation Catalysts

The latest progress in alkaline anion-exchange membranes has led to the expectation that less costly catalysts than those of the platinum-group metals may be used in anion-exchange membrane fuel cell devices. In this work, we compare structural properties and the catalytic activity for the hydrogen-oxidation reaction (HOR) for carbon-supported nanoparticles of Ni, Ni₃Co, Ni₃Cu, and Ni₃Fe, synthesized by chemical and solvothermal reduction of metal precursors. The catalysts are well dispersed on the carbon support, with particle diameter in the order of 10 nm, and covered by a layer of oxides and hydroxides. The activity for the HOR was assessed by voltammetry in hydrogen-saturated aqueous solutions of 0.1 mol dm^-1 KOH. A substantial activation by potential cycling of the pristine catalysts synthesized by solvothermal reduction is necessary before these become active for the HOR; in situ Raman spectroscopy shows that after activation the surface of the Ni/C, Ni₃Fe, and Ni₃Co catalysts is fully reduced at 0 V, whereas the surface of the Ni₃Cu catalyst is not. The activation procedure had a smaller but negative impact on the catalysts synthesized by chemical reduction. After activation, the exchange-current densities normalized with respect to the ECSA (electrochemically active surface area) were approximately independent of composition but relatively high compared to catalysts of larger particle diameter.