Ni(OH)2 nanosheet array modified with Fe-phytate complex layer as corrosion resistant catalyst for seawater electrolysis at ampere-level current density

• Published in: Green chemistry : an international journal and green chemistry resource : GC 2024-11
• Main Authors: Song, Yanyan, Shi, Wenjie, Li, Nini, Li, Qingyu, Wang, Xi-ao, Zhang, Xiaoyan, Huang, Minghua, Zhang, Lixue
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1463-9262; 1463-9270
• DOI: 10.1039/D4GC04713C

The implementation of electrochemical seawater electrolysis necessitates the development of electrocatalysts that not only exhibit high performance but also possess robust resistance to chlorine-induced corrosion. Herein, we report a Ni(OH)2 nanosheet array modified with Fe-phytate complex layer through a straightforward spray technique for high activity and strong corrosion resistance toward seawater electrolysis. The constructed Ni(OH)2-PA-Fe requires an overpotential of merely 380 mV at a current density of 1000 mA cm−2, while exhibits extraordinary stability in alkaline seawater, maintaining stable performance for over 1200 hours at a current density of 1000 mA cm−2. Experimental analyses reveal that the exceptional OER performance stems from the increased number of active sites due to defect formation, the electronic structure modulation by iron phytate modification, and the Cl−-repellent layers formed by negatively charged phosphate groups on the electrocatalyst surface. This work offers new possibilities and a cost-effective approach for developing highly efficient catalysts with enhanced corrosion resistance for seawater electrolysis.