Development of nano CeO2–Fe2O3 mixed oxide based electro catalytic electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2017-01, Vol.42 (4), p.1919-1931
• Main Authors: Shibli, S.M.A., Thushara, L., Archana, S.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CeO2; Electrocatalysis; Electroless nickel coating; Fe2O3; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Mixed oxide solution
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.11.092

In this study, electrocatalytic activity of nano sized CeO2–Fe2O3 mixed oxide solid solution synthesized using thermal decomposition method was investigated for HER in alkaline media. The structural properties of the composites were systematically analyzed by means of XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, Micro-Raman spectroscopy and TEM. The lattice contraction of ceria due to the incorporation of Fe3+ ion was the reason that enhanced the stability of the composite. The CeO2–Fe2O3 composite incorporated Ni–P coating as a catalytic coating on mild steel electrode revealed high catalytic activity and stability. The surface homogeneity of the coating on the electrode was retained even after extended HER. The incorporation of the composite into the coating facilitated grain refinement enhancing catalytic HER. The results from Tafel and Impedance analyses revealed improvement of electrocatalytic activity of the nano composite incorporated Ni–P coating. High stability of the nano composite incorporated coating in alkaline media was also confirmed. •Cubic phased nano CeO2–Fe2O3 composites were synthesized for HER.•This composite based catalytic Ni–P coating revealed high catalytic activity.•Fe3+ ions got incorporated into Ce4+ lattice causing red shift of adsorption edges.•A decreased band gap of the composite was achieved.•The grain refining and formation of a fine nodular structure caused catalytic HER.