CuFe electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolysis

The development of high performance, stable catalyst with non-precious metals for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction for alkaline electrolysis is in demand. Here-in, we report the synthesis of CuFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalyst on nickel foam via facile hydrothermal method. In alkaline electrolysis with 1 M NaOH electrolyte, CuFe LDH as cathode requires an overpotential of 159 mV to generate current density of 10 mA cm(-2). Which is ca. 51 mV and 7 mV lower than NiFe LDH and NiRu LDH. CuFe LDH exhibits significant electrocatalytic activity for HER. The higher catalytic activity of CuFe LDH compared to NiFe LDH may be achieved with higher proton adsorption by Cu compared to Ni. Also, the efficient charge transfer with interconnected LDH layers, favourable three dimensional structure facilitating easy electrolyte transfer to the active sites and hydrogen gas diffusion. This work may help in developing low cost and efficient hydroxide catalyst. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a CuFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalyst was synthesized on nickel foam via a facile hydrothermal method, demonstrating significant electrocatalytic activity for HER in alkaline electrolysis. The overpotential of CuFe LDH was lower compared to NiFe LDH and NiRu LDH, possibly due to higher proton adsorption by Cu. These results suggest that CuFe LDH could be a promising candidate for developing low cost and efficient hydroxide catalysts.