Vacuum evaporated thin films of mixed cobalt and nickel oxides as electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution and reduction

Electrocatalytic activity of electrodeposited CoOx thin film on low-carbon unalloyed steel substrate toward electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER)

In this study, we report elaboration of a thin film of CoOx on a low carbon unalloyed steel substrate by electrochemical route and the study of its electrocatalytic performances with respect to the evolution reaction of oxygen (OER) in NaOH medium. The elaborated deposits were well-characterized using X-ray diffraction. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters such as exchange current density, Tafel slope, reaction order with respect to OH- ions and apparent activation energy were studied. The CoOx displays satisfactory OER performance in an alkaline medium, with a low overvoltage of 362 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope of 81 mV/dec at 293 K. The apparent kinetic activation energy (= 29.79 kJ/mol) was similar to those obtained for the reported catalytic electrode materials. The O2 gas obtained on the cobalt oxide electrode was 2.865 mmol/s.cm2, which is 28 times higher than that obtained for the platinum electrode (0.102 mmol/s.cm2). Chronoamperometry demonstrates a better electrochemical stability under a polarization potential of 2 V in 1 M NaOH for nearly 25 h. The low cost, the high OER performance, as well as the good stability of the CoOx electrode make it a promising candidate for the industrial-scale water electrolysis.

Electrochemical Characteristics of Nanosized Cu, Ni, and Zn Cobaltite Spinel Materials

For a long time, transition metal oxide systems have been considered well explored materials in heterogeneous catalysis. Amongst, the spinel-type oxides, materials such as cobaltites (Co3O4) received significant attention, owing to their use in many industrial applications. In the present study, nanosized Cu, Ni, and Zn cobaltite spinel oxides were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Physicochemical characterization of the synthesized materials was performed utilizing XRD, HRTEM, CO2-TPD, and XPS techniques. The textural characteristics (BET-surface area, pore size, etc.) of samples were determined from N2 physisorption measurements at −196 °C. The CO2-electrocatalytic reduction was selected as a model reaction to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the synthesized spinel cobaltites. For Ni, Cu, and Zn spinel materials, hydrogen was produced as the main product at the whole potential, along with other products, such as CO and HCOOH. Despite the advantages, the catalytic electrochemical CO2 reduction performance of spinel cobaltite catalysts is still far from adequate, which is principally ascribed to the low number of active sites combined with poor electrical conductivity.

Green synthesis of cobalt-oxide nanoparticle using jumbo Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia): Characterization and photo-catalytic activity of acid Blue-74

In the recent years, plant and microbial extract based nanoparticles (NPs) have become a sophisticated technology serving as an alternative strategy for the purpose of developing materials functionalized by structural diversity and enhanced energy efficiencies. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (GCoO-NPs) have wide applications in several sectors due to their high resistance to corrosion as well as oxidation, ecofriendly nature, cost effectiveness and nontoxic potential. Plant based particles are credible alternatives as they reduce the burden of complicated and laborious protocols of physiochemical reliance. In this study, GCoO-NPs were synthesized using the grape Jumbo Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) using co-precipitation. The synthesized GCoO-NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of the GCoO-NPs was estimated by the degradation of Acid Blue-74 (AB-74) dye and the complete degradation of 98% was accomplished at the reaction time of 150 min at pH 10 and 60 mg/100 mL concentration. The outcomes of this study indicated the excellent performance of the GCoO-NPs on par with some of the earlier findings and this can be an appealing aspirant of extreme potential to be employed as a catalyst alternative to the conventional wastewater treatment methods.

Bertrand G, Yao L. Electrochemical Deposition of Ni, NiCo Alloy and NiCo-Ceramic Composite Coatings-A Critical Review

In recent years, alloy and alloy-ceramic coatings have gained a considerable attention owing to their favorable physicochemical and technological properties. In this review, we investigate Ni, NiCo alloy and NiCo–ceramic composite coatings prepared by electrodeposition. Electrodeposition is a versatile tool and cost-effective electrochemical method used to produce high quality metal coatings. Surface finish and tribological properties of the coatings can be further improved by the addition of suitable agents and control of deposition operating conditions. In this review, Ni, NiCo alloy and NiCo–ceramic composite coatings prepared by electrodeposition are reviewed by critically evaluating previous researches. The use of the coatings and their potential for future research and development are discussed.

Bifunctional Catalysts for Reversible Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Metal-air batteries (MABs) and reversible fuel cells (RFCs) rely on the bifunctional oxygen catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Finding efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysts is the ultimate goal and it has attracted a great deal of attention. The dilemma is that a good ORR catalyst is not necessarily efficient for OER, and vice versa. Thus, the development of a new type of bifunctional oxygen catalysts should ensure that the catalysts exhibit high activity for both OER and ORR. Composites with multicomponents for active centers supported on highly conductive matrices could be able to meet the challenges and offering new opportunities. In this Review, the evolution of bifunctional catalysts is summarized and discussed aiming to deliver high-performance bifunctional catalysts with low overpotentials.

Morphology Control of Carbon-Free Spinel NiCo2O4 Catalysts for Enhanced Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction and Evolution in Alkaline Media

Spinel NiCo₂O₄ is considered a promising precious metal-free catalyst that is also carbon-free for oxygen electrocatalysis. Current efforts mainly focus on optimal chemical doping and substituent to tune its electronic structures for enhanced activity. Here, we study its morphology control and elucidate the morphology-dependent catalyst performance for bifunctional oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Three types of NiCo₂O₄ catalysts with significantly distinct morphologies were prepared using temple-free, Pluronic-123 (P-123) soft, and SiO₂ hard templates, respectively, via hydrothermal methods followed by calcination. Whereas the hard-template yields spherelike dense structures, soft-template assists the formation of a unique nanoneedle cluster assembly containing abundant meso- and macropores. Furthermore, the effect of morphology of NiCo₂O₄ on their corresponding bifunctional catalytic performance was systematically investigated. The flowerlike nanoneedle assembly NiCo₂O₄ catalyst via the soft-template method exhibited the highest catalytic activity and stability for both ORR and OER. In particular, it exhibited an onset and half-wave potentials of 0.94 and 0.82 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, for the ORR in alkaline media. Although it is still inferior to Pt, the NiCo₂O₄ represents one of the best ORR catalyst compared to other reported carbon-free oxides. Meanwhile, remarkable OER activity and stability were achieved with an onset potential of 1.48 V and a current density of 15 mA/cm² at 1.6 V, showing no activity loss after 20 000 potential cycles (0-1.9 V). The demonstrated stability is even superior to Ir for the OER. The morphology-controlled approach provides an effective solution to create a robust three-dimensional architecture with increased surface areas and enhanced mass transfer. Importantly, the soft template can yield a high degree of spinel crystallinity with ideal stoichiometric ratios between Ni and Co, thus promoting structural integrity with enhanced electrical conductivity and catalytic properties.

Petal-like hierarchical array of ultrathin Ni(OH)2 nanosheets decorated with Ni(OH)2 nanoburls: a highly efficient OER electrocatalyst

A solvothermally synthesized petal-like 3D hierarchical array of β-Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets and nanoburls has displayed an abnormal enhancement in activity in the OER as a consequence of surface faceting of planes from (001) to (101) and (202) within a minimum number of potential sweeps in addition to the formation of oxyhydroxide.

Accurate Assessment of the Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalytic Activity of Mn/Polypyrrole Nanocomposites Based on Rotating Disk Electrode Measurements, Complemented with Multitechnique Structural Characterizations

This paper reports on the quantitative assessment of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalytic activity of electrodeposited Mn/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites for alkaline aqueous solutions, based on the Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) method and accompanied by structural characterizations relevant to the establishment of structure-function relationships. The characterization of Mn/PPy films is addressed to the following: (i) morphology, as assessed by Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM); (ii) local electrical conductivity, as measured by Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM); and (iii) molecular structure, accessed by Raman Spectroscopy; these data provide the background against which the electrocatalytic activity can be rationalised. For comparison, the properties of Mn/PPy are gauged against those of graphite, PPy, and polycrystalline-Pt (poly-Pt). Due to the literature lack of accepted protocols for precise catalytic activity measurement at poly-Pt electrode in alkaline solution using the RDE methodology, we have also worked on the obtainment of an intralaboratory benchmark by evidencing some of the time-consuming parameters which drastically affect the reliability and repeatability of the measurement.

Nitrogen-doped graphene interpenetrated 3D Ni-nanocages: efficient and stable water-to-dioxygen electrocatalysts

Herein, we report the synthesis of a nitrogen-doped graphene (NGr) interpenetrated 3D Ni-nanocage (Ni-NGr) electrocatalyst by a simple water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion technique for oxidation of water to dioxygen. Correlation of adsorption of NGr and subsequent interpenetration through the specific surface plane of nickel particles as well as the concomitant interaction of N and C with Ni in the nano-regime has been investigated. Apart from the benefits of the synergistic interactions between Ni, N, and C, the overall integrity of the structure and its intra-molecular connectivity within the framework help in achieving better oxygen evolution characteristics at a significantly reduced overpotential. The engineered Ni-NGr nanocage displays a substantially low overpotential of ∼290 mV at a practical current density of 20 mA cm(-2) in 0.1 M KOH. In comparison, NGr and Ni-particles as separate entities give overpotentials of ∼570 and ∼370 mV under similar conditions. Moreover, the long term stability of Ni-NGr was investigated by anodic potential cycling for 500 cycles and an 8.5% increment in the overpotential at 20 mA cm(-2) was observed. Additionally, a chronoamperometric test was performed for 15 h at 20 mA cm(-2), which highlights the better sustainability of Ni-NGr under the actual operating conditions. Finally, the quantitative estimation of evolved oxygen was monitored by gas chromatography and was found to be 70 mmol h(-1) g(-1) of oxygen, which is constant in the second cycle as well.

Electrochemical sensor based on carbon-supported NiCoO2 nanoparticles for selective detection of ascorbic acid

An electrochemical sensor for selective detection of ascorbic acid (AA) in the presence of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) was fabricated by modifying the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with carbon-supported NiCoO2 (NiCoO2/C) nanoparticles. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies reveal the little charge transfer resistance for the modified electrode. The electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode for the oxidation of AA was investigated. The current sensitivity of AA was enhanced to about five times upon modification. The voltammetric response of AA was well resolved from the responses of DA and UA, and the oxidation potential of AA was negatively shifted to -0.20 V. The biosensor tolerated a wide linear concentration range for AA, from 1.0 × 10(-5)M to 2.63 × 10(-3)M (R(2)=0.9929), with a detection limit of 0.5 μM (S/N = 3). Our results demonstrate that the NiCoO2/C nanomaterials has excellent AA sensing capability, including a fast response time, high reproducibility and stability, with great promise in the quantification of AA in real samples. That makes it a unique electrochemical sensor for the detection of AA which is free from the interference of DA, UA and other interferents.

NiCo2S4@graphene as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions

Here, the hybrid of NiCo2S4 nanoparticles grown on graphene in situ is first described as an effective bifunctional nonprecious electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the alkaline medium. NiCo2S4@N/S-rGO was synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal strategy using Co(OAc)2, Ni(OAc)2, thiourea, and graphene oxide as precursors and ethylene glycol as the dispersing agent; simultaneously, traces of nitrogen and sulfur were double-doped into the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the forms of pyrrolic-N, pyridinic-N, and thiophenic-S, which are often desirable for metal-free ORR catalysts. In comparison with commercial Pt/C catalyst, NiCo2S4@N/S-rGO shows less reduction activity, much better durability, and superior methanol tolerance toward ORR in 0.1 M KOH; it reveals higher activity toward OER in both KOH electrolyte and phosphate buffer at pH 7.0. NiCo2S4@graphene demonstrated excellent overall bicatalytic performance, and importantly, it suggests a novel kind of promising nonprecious bifunctional catalyst in the related renewable energy devices.

Cross-laboratory experimental study of non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

Nine non-noble-metal catalysts (NNMCs) from five different laboratories were investigated for the catalysis of O(2) electroreduction in an acidic medium. The catalyst precursors were synthesized by wet impregnation, planetary ball milling, a foaming-agent technique, or a templating method. All catalyst precursors were subjected to one or more heat treatments at 700-1050 degrees C in an inert or reactive atmosphere. These catalysts underwent an identical set of electrochemical characterizations, including rotating-disk-electrode and polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) tests and voltammetry under N(2). Ex situ characterization was comprised of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and N(2) adsorption and its analysis with an advanced model for carbonaceous powders. In PEMFC, several NNMCs display mass activities of 10-20 A g(-1) at 0.8 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, and one shows 80 A g(-1). The latter value corresponds to a volumetric activity of 19 A cm(-3) under reference conditions and represents one-seventh of the target defined by the U.S. Department of Energy for 2010 (130 A cm(-3)). The activity of all NNMCs is mainly governed by the microporous surface area, and active sites seem to be hosted in pore sizes of 5-15 A. The nitrogen and metal (iron or cobalt) seem to be present in sufficient amounts in the NNMCs and do not limit activity. The paper discusses probable directions for synthesizing more active NNMCs. This could be achieved through multiple pyrolysis steps, ball-milling steps, and control of the powder morphology by the addition of foaming agents and/or sulfur.

Nanomolar detection of hydrogen peroxide on glassy carbon electrode modified with electrodeposited cobalt oxide nanoparticles

The electrochemical detection of H2O2 was investigated on a cobalt oxide nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7). Cyclic voltammetry at potential range -1.1 to 1.1 V from CoCl2 natural aqueous solution produced well defined cobalt oxide nanoparticles deposited on the surface of glassy carbon electrode. The surface of resulting electrode was characterized with SEM. The formation of cobalt oxyhydroxide film was investigated by cyclic voltammetry in alkaline and natural aqueous solution. The modified electrode showed well defined and stable redox couples in both alkaline and natural aqueous solution. The modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of hydrogen peroxide. The response to H2O2 on the modified electrode was examined using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide is carried out at 0.75 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode in phosphate buffer solution with pH 7.4. The detection limit (S/N=3) was 0.4 nM with linearity up to 6 orders of magnitude and sensitivity of 4.86 microA microM(-1) cm(-2). The response time of the electrode to achieve 95% of the steady-state current is <2 s. No measurable reduction in analytical performance of the modified electrode was found by storing the electrode in ambient conditions for 20 days. This modified electrode recedes many advantages such as remarkable catalytic activity, good reproducibility, simple preparation procedure and long term stability of signal response during hydrogen peroxide oxidation. The immobilization of cobalt oxide nanoparticles on the surface of GC electrode appears to be a highly efficient method for the development of a new class of sensitive, stable and reproducible hydrogen peroxide electrochemical sensor.