Electrocatalysts for Water Electrolysis

Abstract

The review paper accumulates the latest information on the analysis of catalyst synthesis for the electrolysis of water in alkaline and partially in acidic media. Literature data on the production of electro-catalysts based on noble, refractory, transition and pure metals, as well as metals doped with molybdenum, phosphorus, and other elements, are presented. Given the different methods of synthesis of electro-catalyst, the advantage of the electrochemical method is emphasized as easy, accessible method enabling to regulate the composition of synthesized electrodes by changing the content of an electrolyte and the conditions of electrolysis, controlling the properties of synthesized materials.

ELECTRODEPOSITION OF Ni–Mo ALLOYS FROM AMMONIUM ELECTROLYTES

“…The presence of oxygen in the sediments is explained by the fact that nickel deposits together with molybdenum oxides [31,32]. In [16], it was suggested that the deposition of the Ni-Mo alloy usually occurs through the formation of an intermediate complex of molybdenum and nickel, where the divalent nickel ion plays catalyst role. A porous film of a mixture of molybdenum and nickel oxides was found on the cathode surface.…”

“…Ni-Mo alloys are considered highly active catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolytes. The study of the kinetics and mechanism of HER on electrodeposited Ni-Mo alloys has been carried out by many scientists [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. In works [18,19], dedicated to the electrodeposition of Ni-Mo alloys, the mechanism of induced codeposition is discussed.…”

“…New alloys of metals of the iron group with refractory metals, synthesized by the electrochemical method, exhibit electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction that is not exceeding the electroactivity of noble metals [16][17]. As is known that Ni is perfect corrosion resistant in hot concentrated alkaline solutions [22,23].…”

“…Comparing with the electrochemical method, all the other abovementioned methods of the obtaining of Ni-Mo alloys are costly and laborconsuming. The electrochemical method is simple to perform, does not require complex equipment, it is possible to easily control the composition of the deposited alloy changing the electrolysis conditions and the composition of the electrolyte [16,17].…”

ELECTROCHEMICAL DEPOSITION OF THIN SEMICONDUCTIVE Mo–S FILMS

“…In addition, due to the width of the band gap (1.7 eV), it can be used as a part for solar cells [10] and photoelectrode materials for the production of hydrogen [11][12][13]. Recent studies have shown that MoS 2 nanoparticles are promising and inexpensive alternatives to platinum using for electrochemical and photochemical hydrogen production from water [14][15][16][17].…”