Unexpected Resilience of NiFe Catalysts for the Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction

• DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.4c00286
• Publication Date: 2024-04-10T05:21:55Z
• Authors: Luca Ciambriello; Ivano Alessandri; Matteo Ferroni; Luca Gavioli; Irene Vassalini
• Keywords: Resilience; Oxygen evolution

NiFe catalysts have emerged as promising low-cost alternatives to Ir- or Ru-based anodes for water splitting. Despite their potential, widespread adoption in commercial alkaline electrolyzers is currently hindered by instability and rapid deactivation under real operating conditions. In this study, we investigate the behavior of (90/10% at.) thin film (∼35 nm) electrodes fabricated supersonic cluster beam deposition electrocatalysts oxygen evolution reaction media during prolonged electrochemical activity. particular, observed that an exfoliation process occurred, leading detachment dissolution most (∼99%) catalyst nanoparticles (NPs) from electrode surface into electrolyte. However, upon multiple potential sweeps, a partial NP redeposition occurred. Importantly, demonstrate establishment equilibrium between readsorption NPs from/to surface, thereby sustaining significant residual catalytic