A groundbreaking study led by Prof. Chen Changlun from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has introduced innovative cobalt-doped nickel hydroxide bipolar electrodes and non-noble metal catalysts, revolutionizing the efficiency and stability of two-step water electrolysis for hydrogen production.
Traditional alkaline electrolyzers face obstacles such as inconsistent renewable energy sources and hydrogen/oxygen mixing under high pressure, limiting their functionality. However, two-step water electrolysis, utilizing a bipolar electrode to separate hydrogen and oxygen production, offers a solution by avoiding the need for a costly membrane separator.
By employing a one-step electrodeposition method, the research team successfully crafted cobalt-doped nickel hydroxide bipolar electrodes on carbon cloth, enhancing conductivity and preventing unwanted oxygen production during hydrogen generation. They also developed non-noble metal catalysts, including molybdenum-doped nickel-cobalt phosphide and plasma-induced iron composite cobalt oxide bifunctional electrodes, which exhibited exceptional durability and activity.
Additionally, the team utilized non-thermal plasma technology to enhance the capacity and conductivity of layered double hydroxide electrodes, proving the efficiency of this two-step water electrolysis method for large-scale hydrogen storage applications, such as 5G base stations and data centers.
“This research marks a significant advancement in the field of hydrogen production and brings us closer to industrial operation,” stated Prof. Chen Changlun. The study’s findings were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal and the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, presenting an exciting development in sustainable energy production.
