Durability and Activity of Modified Nickel Anode for Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) produces highly pure hydrogen with simple and less expensive configuration. Conventional anode is Ni based material, and it is stable in steady electrolysis; however it deteriorates in some cases with the fluctuation of electric power supply, for example where renewable energy such as wind or solar power. To improve durability under potential fluctuation, we have investigated the catalytic activity and durability of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for three types of Ni based electrodes with and without pre-oxidation under potential cycling. Surface oxidized nickel anode was more stable than nickel anode, but it is less active than nickel in high current density region because of electronic resistance of surface oxide. Lithium doped surface oxide improved electronic conductivity, and it had the better activity and durability than those of both nickel and surface oxidized nickel.