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Overcoming the Instability of Nanoparticle‐Based Catalyst Films in Alkaline Electrolyzers by using Self‐Assembling and Self‐Healing Films
Author(s) -
Barwe Stefan,
Masa Justus,
Andronescu Corina,
Mei Bastian,
Schuhmann Wolfgang,
Ventosa Edgar
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201703963
Subject(s) - electrolysis , anode , catalysis , electrolyte , materials science , cathode , electrochemistry , nanoparticle , chemical engineering , electrode , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Engineering stable electrodes using highly active catalyst nanopowders for electrochemical water splitting remains a challenge. We report an innovative and general approach for attaining highly stable catalyst films with self‐healing capability based on the in situ self‐assembly of catalyst particles during electrolysis. The catalyst particles are added to the electrolyte forming a suspension that is pumped through the electrolyzer. Particles with negatively charged surfaces stick onto the anode, while particles with positively charged surfaces stick to the cathode. The self‐assembled catalyst films have self‐healing properties as long as sufficient catalyst particles are present in the electrolyte. The proof‐of‐concept was demonstrated in a non‐zero gap alkaline electrolyzer using NiFe‐LDH and Ni x B catalyst nanopowders for anode and cathode, respectively. Steady cell voltages were maintained for at least three weeks during continuous electrolysis at 50–100 mA cm −2 .