Development of Ni-doped Co3O4 oxygen evolution catalysts for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis

This study investigates nickel-doped cobalt oxide (Ni-doped Co3O4) nanoparticles as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Through various characterization techniques, Ni0.45Co2.55O4 was identified as exhibiting superior OER activity compared to pristine Co3O4 and other Ni-doped compositions, offering reduced overpotential and higher current density. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided mechanistic insights. Evaluation in an AEMWE single-cell setup confirmed Ni0.45Co2.55O4 stability and efficiency for hydrogen production. The study underscores the importance of transitioning to renewable sources for hydrogen production and highlights the role of AEMWEs with non-noble metal catalysts in reducing costs. Moreover, it emphasizes the critical influence of the OER on AEMWE performance. Overall, the research demonstrates the potential of Ni-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles as effective catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production, aligning with the goal of achieving 2050 net-zero emissions.