Engineered Thermal Sprayed Oxygen Electrode for Hydrogen Production by Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Design promising water splitting electrodes are important for electrochemical conversion technologies, especially the anode is much more critical because of sluggish Oxygen Evolution Reaction and oxidative corrosion issues. Herein, we report a novel method, combining high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray and solution-precursor flame spray (SPFS) processes, to prepare anode for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis. Raney-nickel skeleton with high specific surface area nickel layer were developed by HVOF of Ni-Al powder on nickel plate. Subsequently the submicron tricobalt tetroxide were crystallized and grows into a certain morphology on the designed skeleton by SPFS, forming a complete anode material. Its structure was studied by metallography, X-Ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with Energy Disperse Spectroscopy. Its electrocatalytic activity was investigated by Cyclic voltammetry, Polarization curve, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Chrono Amperometry, which showed excellent Oxygen Evolution Reaction.