Metallic Aerogel As Electrocatalysts In Oxygen Evolution And Hydrogen Evolution Reactions for Water Splitting

Primary author: Hangyu Tian
Faculty sponsor: Yuehe Lin

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The emergent demands for a green and efficient energy resource driving the development of new energy conversion and storage systems. Among numerous energy resources, hydrogen is one of promising candidates for the next generation energy due to its zero carbon emission, high energy density and no pollutants. However, the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction that require a large overpotential over standard potential (1.23V vs RHE) has hindered water splitting for hydrogen production and made it hard to compete with fossil fuel in cost and efficiency. And due to its shortage, exorbitant price and poor durability, current commercial noble metal electrocatalysts still hindered the electrochemical production of the hydrogen. In past decades, significant efforts have been made on structure and composition design to improve the performance and efficiency of the electrocatalysts. Among various structure, Aerogel stands out for its ultra-high porosity, low apparent density and high specific area. We focus on the facile synthesis, composition optimization and defect engineering to increase both the number and activity of the reaction sites. By optimization of these parameters, our metallic aerogels exhibited excellent OER and HER performance.