Preparation and characterization of metal oxide supported group 9B metal nanoparticles and their use as electrocatalysts in water splitting

2022-9-2
Akbayrak, Merve
Hydrogen has been regarded as a crucial energy carrier due to its high energy density. Therefore, there is an increasing attention for the production of hydrogen. Among the hydrogen production methods, water splitting is one of the well-known environmentally friendly methods for the production of hydrogen. Although a large variety of catalysts have been tested in water splitting, the development of efficient and long-lived electrocatalysts is still an important issue. This thesis covers the preparation, characterization and the catalytic use of metal oxide supported group 9B metal nanoparticles (Co, Rh, Ir) in water splitting. Metal nanoparticles were formed on the surface of various metal oxides such as titania, zirconia and ceria by a simple impregnation method and the catalysts were characterized by advanced analytical techniques. The electrocatalytic activity and stability of the catalysts on glassy carbon electrode for both oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions in water splitting were investigated. The onset potential and overpotential of Ir/CeO2 were found as -13.0 and -23.0 mV, respectively. Moreover, among the other Rh and Co based catalysts, Ir/CeO2 provided lower Tafel slope (38.7 mV.dec-1), higher turnover frequency (1.95 s-1) and higher exchange current density (2.69 mA.cm-2). Ir/CeO2 shows superior stability even after 20 000 cycle in acidic environment which makes Ir/CeO2 as a promising electrocatalyst for HER. On the other hand, Co/CeO2 exhibited impressive performance for the oxygen evolution reaction in an alkaline environment with low overpotential (0.368 V), low Tafel slope (63.0 mV.dec-1), and high TOF value. Although the commercial Co3O4 loses its activity to a great extent after the stability test, for the Co/CeO2 no noticeable change was observed in Tafel slopes and overvoltages.

Suggestions

Development of organic-inorganic composite membranes for fuel cell applications
Erdener, Hülya; Baç, Nurcan; Department of Chemical Engineering (2007)
Hydrogen is considered to be the most promising energy carrier of the 21st century due to its high energy density and sustainability. The chemical energy of hydrogen can be directly converted into electricity by means of electrochemical devices called fuel cells. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are the most preferred type of fuel cells due to their low operating temperatures enabling fast and easy start-ups and quick responses to load changes. One of the most important components of a PEMFC is t...
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND CATALYTIC INVESTIGATION OF IRON BASED NANO-CATALYTS FOR WATER OXIDATION REACTION
KOCABAŞ, SERRA; Nalbant, Emren; Department of Chemistry (2022-2-11)
The search for new energy storage technologies drew attention to the production of hydrogen from clean, renewable sources such as water with increase of scarcity of fossil fuels. Hence, water splitting electrochemically has been the centre of attention in recent years. However, water oxidation (oxygen evolution) (OER) reaction requires high potential to achieve large energy barrier occurred while transferring four electrons and four protons. To overcome this energy barrier, catalyst with high stability and ...
Development and characterization of catalyst materials of zinc-air batteries
Arslan Hamat, Burcu; Aydınol, Mehmet Kadri; Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (2021-2-12)
Recently, primary and secondary zinc-air batteries have attracted considerable attention due to their high energy density, safety, availability and low cost. Zinc-air batteries generate electricity through a redox reaction between zinc and oxygen in air. Zinc-air batteries have higher theoretical energy density due to abundant supply of oxygen from the atmosphere. However, poor efficiency of the oxygen reduction (ORR) and evolution reactions(OER)taking place at the cathode limits the use of zinc-ai...
Preparation and performance of membrane electrode assemblies with nafion and alternative polymer electrolyte membranes
Şengül, Erce; Eroğlu, İnci; Department of Chemical Engineering (2007)
Hydrogen and oxygen or air polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is one of the most promising electrical energy conversion devices for a sustainable future due to its high efficiency and zero emission. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA), in which electrochemical reactions occur, is stated to be the heart of the fuel cell. The aim of this study was to develop methods for preparation of MEA with alternative polymer electrolyte membranes and compare their performances with the conventional Nafion® membrane. Th...
Synthesis and characterization of nickel zinc oxide nanoparticles and their investigation as water oxidation catalyst
Ağcalı, Rahime Yağmur; Nalbant Esentürk, Emren; Department of Chemistry (2020-10)
The depletion of fossil fuels has steered attention to discover new energy sources. Fossil fuels are not desirable to use because of their hazardous effects on earth and being non-renewable, yet they have been used as primary energy sources all over the world. Due to their limited amount, the focus of research has become maintaining renewable, green, and clean energy. In this sense, among others hydrogen has a great potential for being a primary source. The possible supplied energy from hydrogen is gr...
Citation Formats
M. Akbayrak, “Preparation and characterization of metal oxide supported group 9B metal nanoparticles and their use as electrocatalysts in water splitting,” Ph.D. - Doctoral Program, Middle East Technical University, 2022.