Effect of carbon material additives on hydrogen evolution at rechargeable alkaline iron battery electrodes

Abstract In recent years a renewed interest in developing iron electrode for iron based accumulators has risen, govern by the progress in nano-materials research that could bring iron based accumulators nearer to their theoretical energy density and capacity. In this aspect, Iron-Air battery chemistry is best suited for current energy crisis in combination with the cost effectiveness, eco-friendliness, recyclability, non-toxicity of the iron materials. The possibility of Iron-Air battery to function as a rechargeable battery makes this electrochemical systems for engaging development. However, some challenges related to the performance of iron electrode needs to be addressed such as the passivation of the iron electrode on discharge due to the accumulation of iron hydroxide and the low efficiency due to the parasitic hydrogen evolution that occurs during the charging. So the proper engineering and the formulation of iron electrodes are necessary to attain the maximum efficiency for Iron-Air battery. In this exertion, different Fe2O3/Carbon (Fe/C) composites are tested as electrodes for Iron air battery. In addition to this, the prepared materials were comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical effectiveness of the prepared samples were tested in a three electrode configuration.Fe2O3/MWCNT electrode show the best electrochemical performance exhibits a specific capacity of about 350 mAhg−1 at 10 mA cm−2 compared to the Fe2O3/Graphene of 300 mAhg−1, Fe2O3/Acetylene black of 225 mAhg−1 and Fe2O3/Vulcan carbon of 180 mAhg−1.