Self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, manufacturing method of electrode and hydrogen production system

Abstract

The invention provides a self-cleaning type water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, a manufacturing method of the electrode and a hydrogen production system, and relates to the technical field of new energy equipment. The hydrogen production electrode comprises an electrode substrate, a catalytic active layer arranged on the surface of the electrode substrate, a micron-sized primary structure layer arranged on the catalytic active layer, and a nano-sized secondary structure layer arranged on the micron-sized primary structure layer. Through a micron-sized primary structure on the micron-sized primary structure layer and a nano-sized secondary structure on the nano-sized secondary structure layer, the surface of the self-cleaning type water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode has hydrophilic-aerophobic characteristics, so that bubbles generated in the hydrogen production process are quickly combined on the surface of the hydrogen production electrode; and the combined large bubbles generate shearing force when being separated from the electrode, so that impurities on the surface of the electrode are taken away, self-cleaning of the electrode is realized, and long-term stable operation of the electrode can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new energy equipment technology, specifically to a self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, a method for manufacturing the electrode, and a hydrogen production system. Background Technology

[0002] Self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrodes are electrodes that reduce contaminant adhesion and inhibit electrode material degradation during electrolysis through special design or material selection to maintain efficient and stable operation. The core of these electrodes lies in the use of superhydrophobic surface design (such as reducing surface energy through micro-nano structures or fluoride or silane coatings to make it difficult for contaminants to adhere), photocatalytic self-cleaning (introducing photocatalytic components such as titanium dioxide and perovskite into the electrode material to decompose surface organic matter or oxides using light) or electrochemical self-cleaning (periodically stripping contaminants or repairing the passivation layer through electrode structure or potential design) to achieve self-cleaning function. Key materials for this type of electrode include superhydrophobic fluorides, silane compounds, and micro / nanostructured materials; photocatalytic titanium dioxide and perovskite; and conductive polymers such as polyaniline and polypyrrole. Its advantages include improved electrolysis efficiency (e.g., superhydrophobic electrodes can increase yield by 10%-20%), extended electrode life (photocatalytic electrodes have a lifespan 2-3 times that of traditional electrodes), and reduced maintenance costs. It is suitable for alkaline, proton exchange membrane (PEM) and photoelectric water splitting hydrogen production scenarios.

[0003] Electrodes are the core components of water electrolysis hydrogen production devices, and their performance directly determines hydrogen production efficiency and energy consumption. Currently, commercial electrodes (such as nickel mesh and nickel foam) face widespread and serious surface contamination and scaling problems during long-term operation, which manifest in three aspects: First, scaling: In alkaline electrolysis, metal ions such as calcium and magnesium in the water source form hydroxide or carbonate deposits (scale) on the cathode surface, covering active sites, increasing electrode resistance, and leading to increased cell voltage and energy consumption; Second, impurity adsorption: In wastewater or seawater electrolysis scenarios, impurities such as organic matter, colloids, and biomass in the solution are adsorbed on the electrode surface, hindering the transport of reactants and products and poisoning the active sites of the catalyst; Third, bubble retention: If hydrogen and oxygen bubbles generated during electrolysis cannot detach from the electrode surface in time, they will form an insulating layer, reducing the effective reaction area and increasing the overpotential.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technical solutions have significant drawbacks: traditional methods such as periodic acid washing, mechanical scraping, and the use of ultrapure water require system shutdown, drastically reducing equipment utilization. Furthermore, these methods are complex to operate and have high maintenance costs. Acid washing and mechanical scraping can also damage the electrode coating, shortening its lifespan. Some improved technologies, such as femtosecond laser processing for fabricating periodic micro / nano structure electrodes and radiation methods for preparing CoPxOy nanoarray electrodes, while optimizing hydrophilic and gas-repellent properties, only form a single periodic structure, and the latter relies on specific catalytic components; neither achieves in-situ self-cleaning based on bubble dynamics. Other technologies achieve self-cleaning through anode-cathode reversal or mechanical scraping, requiring additional equipment and energy, and are prone to electrode damage. These technologies are unsuitable for high-hardness water sources, complex water quality, and frequent start-stop and load-varying operation under fluctuating renewable energy power supply conditions, making it difficult to achieve long-term, efficient, and stable operation of water electrolysis hydrogen production systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, a method for manufacturing the electrode, and a hydrogen production system, so as to provide a hydrogen production electrode that can achieve self-cleaning, thereby ensuring that the water electrolysis hydrogen production system can operate efficiently and stably for a long time.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] A self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, comprising:

[0008] Electrode substrate;

[0009] A catalytic active layer is disposed on the surface of the electrode substrate;

[0010] A micron-scale primary structure layer is disposed on the side of the catalytic active layer facing away from the electrode substrate;

[0011] A nanoscale secondary structure layer is disposed on the side of the micron-scale primary structure layer facing away from the catalytic active layer, and a nanoscale hydrophilic-gas-phobic structure is disposed on the nanoscale secondary structure layer.

[0012] Optionally, in the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, the micron-scale primary structure is composed of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets in the form of conical, columnar, or honeycomb microarrays grown on the surface of the catalytic active layer.

[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, the nanoscale secondary structure layer is composed of nanowire structures and nanopore structures grown on the micron-scale primary structure.

[0014] Optionally, the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode further includes a hydrophilic polymer layer sprayed onto the surface of the micron-scale primary structure layer and the nano-scale secondary structure layer.

[0015] Optionally, in the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, the hydrophilic polymer layer is a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane.

[0016] Optionally, in the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, the electrode substrate is made of nickel.

[0017] Optionally, in the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, the catalytic active layer is made of Raney nickel, NiMo alloy, NiFe layered double hydroxide, or transition metal phosphide.

[0018] Optionally, in the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, the catalytic active layer, the micron-scale primary structure layer, and the nano-scale secondary structure layer are made of the same material.

[0019] A method for fabricating a self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode includes:

[0020] Pretreatment of the electrode substrate;

[0021] A catalytically active layer is grown on the surface of the electrode substrate;

[0022] A micron-scale primary structure layer is grown in the catalytic active layer using a hydrothermal method;

[0023] Nanowires or porous structures are grown on the surface of the micron-scale primary structure layer by hydrothermal reaction to form a nanon-scale secondary structure layer.

[0024] The catalytic active layer, the micron-scale primary structure layer, and the nano-scale secondary structure layer are annealed under an inert atmosphere.

[0025] A hydrogen production system comprising the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode described in any one of the above.

[0026] Based on the above technical solution, the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: an electrode substrate, a catalytically active layer disposed on the surface of the electrode substrate, a micron-scale primary structure layer disposed on the catalytically active layer, and a nano-scale secondary structure layer disposed on the micron-scale primary structure layer. The micron-scale primary structure on the micron-scale primary structure layer and the nano-scale secondary structure layer on the nano-scale secondary structure layer give the surface of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode hydrophilic-gas-repellent properties, allowing bubbles generated during hydrogen production to rapidly merge on the surface of the hydrogen production electrode. The merged large bubbles generate shear force when detaching from the electrode, thereby carrying away impurities from the electrode surface, achieving self-cleaning of the electrode and ensuring long-term stable operation. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the surface of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the self-cleaning principle of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the comparative experimental results disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In order to provide an electrolytic water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode that can operate efficiently and stably for a long time, this application discloses a self-cleaning electrolytic water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode with hydrophilic and gas-repellent properties.

[0035] See Figure 1 The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in this application embodiment may include: an electrode substrate 1, a catalytic active layer 2, and a micro-nano composite structure surface, wherein the micro-nano composite structure surface is a composite structure composed of a micron-level primary structure layer 3 and a nano-level secondary structure layer 4.

[0036] Regarding the electrode substrate 1, the electrode substrate 1 is made of conductive porous material, preferably nickel foam, nickel mesh or foamed titanium, to ensure that the electrode substrate 1 has good conductivity and structural support, providing a stable carrier for the catalytic active layer 2 and micro-nano structure, and adapting to the application requirements of self-supporting electrodes.

[0037] Regarding the catalytic active layer 2, it is disposed on the surface of the electrode substrate 1. In this scheme, the catalytic active layer is coated or grown on the surface of the electrode substrate 1. The material of the catalytic active layer 2 can be selected from hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and / or oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. Specifically, Raney nickel, NiMo alloy, NiFe layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH), transition metal phosphides, sulfides, or noble metals can be used as the material of the catalytic active layer 2 to ensure that the catalytic active layer 2 has efficient electrolytic catalytic performance and forms a stable bond with the micro-nano structure.

[0038] This scheme, by treating the surface of the catalytic active layer 2, can construct a composite structure consisting of a micron-scale primary structure layer 3 (having a micron-scale primary structure) and a nano-scale secondary structure layer (having a nano-scale secondary structure). Specifically, the micron-scale primary structure layer 3 is disposed on the side of the catalytic active layer 2 facing away from the electrode substrate 1, and the nano-scale secondary structure layer 4 is disposed on the side of the micron-scale primary structure layer 3 facing away from the catalytic active layer 2. The nano-scale secondary structure layer 4 has nano-scale hydrophilic-aerophobic structures. Through the combination of the micron-scale primary structure on the micron-scale primary structure layer 3 and the nano-scale secondary structure on the nano-scale secondary structure layer 4, the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode can simultaneously exhibit superaerophobic and superhydrophilic properties on its electrode surface during operation. Among them, the micron-level primary structure can be a conical, cylindrical, or honeycomb microarray, etc., which can serve as the surface characteristic "skeleton" of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode; the nano-level secondary structure is a nanowire, nanosheet, nanoparticle, or nanopore covering the surface of the micron-level structure. The nano-level secondary structure can further improve the micro-roughness of the surface of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode. By improving the micro-roughness of the electrode surface, the spreading of water molecules and the detachment of bubbles during the electrolysis process can be optimized.

[0039] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the surface of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode of this application under a microscope. Figure 2 In the first layer, 02 is the catalytically active layer; 03 is the micron-scale primary structure in the micron-scale primary structure layer 3; and 04 is the nanon-scale secondary structure in the nanon-scale secondary structure layer 4. The nanon-scale secondary structure 04 grows on the micron-scale primary structure 03. Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the micron-scale primary structure 03 is a conical structure, and the nanoscale secondary structure 04 is a linear structure grown on the conical structure. The micron-scale primary structure 03 and the nanoscale secondary structure 04 provide the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode with superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic synergistic properties. During operation, bubbles rapidly coalesce within the micron-scale primary structure 03 and the nanoscale secondary structure 04. The principle is as follows: See [link to documentation]. Figure 3 During operation, the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode allows bubbles to rapidly merge within its micron-scale primary structure 03 and nanometer-scale secondary structure 04. This rapid merging is primarily due to the synergistic effect of the multi-scale structures: the micron-scale primary structure 03 provides high-density nucleation sites, resulting in high bubble generation density and limited growth space, making it easier for adjacent bubbles to grow through merging; in the nanometer-scale secondary structure 04, surface tension-dominated neck growth kinetics accelerate bubble interface fusion, while surface inhomogeneity leads to differences in contact line anchoring effects—medium-sized bubbles preferentially move due to the combined effects of anchoring force and surface properties, triggering indeterminate merging behavior; furthermore, the localized low-pressure region formed by the bubble wake attracts subsequent bubbles to accelerate merging, and flow field disturbances (such as collisions or pressure changes) further disrupt stability, shortening the disordered arrangement time. Ultimately, through the Ostwald ripening mechanism (diffusion of gas from small bubbles to large bubbles) and the multi-scale flow field coupling effect, efficient merging of bubbles within the micron-scale primary structure 03 is achieved. In the electrochemical environment of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, electrode reactions or the precipitation of dissolved gases in the solution continuously generate a large number of bubbles. During bubble growth, the bubbles are influenced by buoyancy, surface tension, and liquid viscosity. Once they reach a certain size, their motion changes drastically during rapid merging and detachment, creating conditions for shear force generation. When bubbles merge, uneven internal pressure distribution causes compression and stretching at the interfaces of adjacent bubbles, generating strong shear stress at the liquid film where the bubble contacts the electrode surface, inducing local turbulence. When bubbles detach, a velocity difference exists between them and the surrounding liquid, forming a velocity gradient within the liquid layer. According to Newton's law of internal friction, this generates shear stress that acts on the electrode surface. Impurities such as soft scale precursors formed during the electrochemical reaction on the electrode surface have loose structures and weak adhesion. Adsorbed impurities exist in molecular or colloidal form with low adsorption force. The shear force generated by the rapid merging and detachment of bubbles acts parallel to the electrode surface, pulling, peeling, and scouring scale precursors and impurities. This causes impurities to detach from the surface of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode. As the electrochemical reaction continues, bubbles are constantly generated, merged, and detached, continuously producing shear force. Thus, the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode can achieve uninterrupted "mechanical" self-cleaning during operation, without the need for shutdown, additional equipment, or chemical reagents. This allows the water electrolysis hydrogen production system using the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode to operate efficiently and stably for a long time.

[0040] In this embodiment, in order to reduce impurities on the electrode substrate 1 and improve the hydrogen production effect, the electrode substrate 1 can be pretreated. The pretreatment reduces impurities on the electrode substrate 1. The pretreatment process can be to ultrasonically clean the electrode substrate 1 (which can be a nickel foam electrode substrate 1) in sequence with acetone, ethanol, dilute hydrochloric acid and ultrapure water, and then perform acid activation treatment on the electrode substrate 1 to thoroughly remove surface oxides and oil stains, and ensure the bonding stability of the subsequent structure and coating.

[0041] In this embodiment, the shape of the micron-scale primary structure can be selected according to design requirements. For example, the micron-scale primary structure can be a conical, columnar, or honeycomb-shaped microarray of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets grown on the surface of the catalytic active layer 2. In this scheme, it is preferred that... Figure 2 The cone-shaped structure shown. During the operation of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, this micron-sized primary structure can serve as both a precursor and a micron-sized structural template to ensure structural regularity.

[0042] In this embodiment, the nanoscale secondary structure layer 4 is composed of nanowire structures and nanopore structures grown on the micrometer-scale primary structure. The nanoscale secondary structure and the micrometer-scale primary structure ultimately form a "micrometer + nanometer" two-dimensional composite structure, improving the surface roughness of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode. In a self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, a "micron + nano" secondary composite structure is constructed by combining nanoscale secondary structures (such as nanowires and nanopores) with micron-scale primary structures to enhance surface roughness. This design significantly improves the electrode performance of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode through multi-dimensional synergy: the rough surface greatly increases the specific surface area, thus exposing more catalytic active sites and shortening the electron transport path. At the same time, it lowers the bubble nucleation energy barrier and enhances the local curvature effect, promoting rapid bubble detachment and avoiding the "gas film effect" caused by gas retention. In addition, the microturbulence and contact line anchoring effect induced by the nanostructure enhance the shear scouring during bubble detachment, and together with the physical barrier effect, it reduces pollutant adsorption, achieving efficient self-cleaning. The rough surface also shortens the reactant diffusion path and accelerates mass transfer through forced convection induced by the nanostructure, ultimately comprehensively improving catalytic activity, inhibiting performance decay, and extending the self-cleaning cycle.

[0043] In this embodiment, the micron-scale primary structure can be grown on the surface of the pretreated electrode substrate 1 using a hydrothermal reaction or electrochemical precipitation process. For example, a micron-scale Ni(OH)2 nanosheet array can be grown on the surface of the pretreated substrate using an electrochemical deposition process or a hydrothermal method as a micron-scale primary structure layer 3.

[0044] In this embodiment, finer nanoscale secondary structures (nanowires or nanopores) can be generated on the surface of the micron-scale primary structure through a secondary hydrothermal reaction or chemical etching process. This nanoscale secondary structure is used as the nanoscale secondary structure layer 4. For example, when the micron-scale primary structure is a Ni(OH)2 nanosheet, a finer nanoscale secondary structure can be further grown on the surface of the Ni(OH)2 microsheet using a secondary hydrothermal reaction or chemical etching process.

[0045] In this embodiment, in order to further enhance the hydrophilicity of the surface of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, an ultrathin hydrophilic polymer layer can be applied to the surface of the micron-level primary structure layer 3 and the nano-level secondary structure layer 4 by spraying or self-assembly, which further enhances the superhydrophilic properties and optimizes the self-cleaning effect and electrolyte wettability. By applying an ultrathin hydrophilic polymer layer to the surface of the micron-scale primary structure layer 3 and the nano-scale secondary structure layer 4 through spraying or self-assembly, the superhydrophilic properties can be significantly enhanced and the self-cleaning and electrolyte wetting performance optimized. The micron-scale structure provides mechanical stability and basic protection, while the nano-scale structure enhances droplet adsorption through capillary effect. Together, they form a multi-scale rough surface. The hydrophilic polymer forms a hydrogen bond network with water molecules through polar groups, making the contact angle approach 0°. At the same time, the molecular packing density is controlled to approach 0.9 to form a complete hydration layer, achieving anti-fouling and self-cleaning. In addition, the reduced surface energy allows the electrolyte to spread rapidly and form a uniform liquid film. The improved interfacial bonding strength can reduce the battery's internal resistance, while the chemical stability and mechanical durability of the polymer layer can ensure long-term performance stability.

[0046] In this embodiment, to facilitate the manufacturing of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, the catalytic active layer 2, the micron-scale primary structure layer 3, and the nano-scale secondary structure layer 4 of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode are made of the same material. For example, the catalytic active layer 2, the micron-scale primary structure layer 3, and the nano-scale secondary structure layer 4 can all be made of Ni(OH)2. In this case, the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode can directly generate the micron-scale primary structure layer 3 on the surface of the electrode substrate 1, and then further generate the nano-scale secondary structure layer 4 on the micron-scale primary structure layer 3. The micron-scale primary structure layer 3 and the nano-scale secondary structure layer 4 are used as the catalytic active layer 2. This structure eliminates the need to specifically fabricate the catalytic active layer 2 on the electrode substrate 1, reducing the process flow and improving the production efficiency of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode.

[0047] To verify the performance of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in this application, this application also conducted an experimental comparison between a conventional water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode and the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in this application. The comparison results are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4The red line corresponds to the first existing electrode, the blue line to the second existing electrode, and the green line represents the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode provided in this application. The comparison curves of the cell voltage changes of the three electrodes after 1000 hours of operation under the same environment and configuration parameters are shown below. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the horizontal axis represents the running time (h), and the vertical axis represents the electrode cell voltage (mV). The curves clearly show that the voltage increase of a traditional electrode cell is about 250mV, the increase of a second existing electrode is about 110mV, and the voltage increase of the electrode cell in this invention is 50mV. It can be seen that the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode provided in this application can maintain stable operation for a long time.

[0048] Corresponding to the aforementioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, this application also discloses a method for manufacturing a self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The method may include:

[0049] Step S101: Pre-treat the electrode substrate.

[0050] The pretreatment may include sequentially ultrasonically cleaning the electrode substrate with acetone, ethanol, 10wt% dilute hydrochloric acid, and ultrapure water for 15 minutes each, followed by acid activation and drying.

[0051] Step S102: Grow a catalytic active layer on the surface of the electrode substrate.

[0052] Step S103: A micron-scale primary structure layer is grown on the catalytic active layer by a hydrothermal method.

[0053] Specifically, this step involves growing a Ni(OH)2 nanosheet array on the surface of the catalytic active layer as a micron-scale primary structure layer using a hydrothermal method (120℃, 6 hours).

[0054] Step S104: Nanowires or porous structures are grown on the surface of the micron-scale primary structure layer by hydrothermal reaction to form a nanon-scale secondary structure layer.

[0055] This step allows for the growth of nanowires through a secondary hydrothermal reaction (100℃, 4 hours) on top of a micrometer-scale primary structural layer, forming a nanometer-scale secondary structural layer.

[0056] Step S105: Anneal the catalytic active layer, the micron-scale primary structure layer, and the nano-scale secondary structure layer under an inert atmosphere.

[0057] This step can be an annealing process under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen, 300°C, 2 hours).

[0058] In another embodiment of the technical solution disclosed in this application, a micron-scale primary structure layer can be directly grown on the surface of the electrode substrate, and a nano-scale secondary structure layer can be grown on the surface of the micron-scale primary structure layer. The micron-scale primary structure layer and the nano-scale secondary structure layer are then annealed under an inert atmosphere. In this case, the micron-scale primary structure layer and the nano-scale secondary structure layer can be directly used as catalytic active layers. This approach can reduce the manufacturing process of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode and improve the production efficiency of the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode.

[0059] Corresponding to the above-mentioned self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, this application also discloses a hydrogen production system, wherein the electrode in the hydrogen production system adopts the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode disclosed in any of the above embodiments of this application.

[0060] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments. The systems and system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0062] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly by hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software module can be located in random access memory (RAM), main memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0063] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0064] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, characterized in that, include: Electrode substrate (1); A catalytic active layer (2) is disposed on the surface of the electrode substrate (1); A micron-scale primary structure layer (3) is disposed on the side of the catalytic active layer (2) facing away from the electrode substrate (1); A nanoscale secondary structure layer (4) is disposed on the side of the micron-scale primary structure layer (3) facing away from the catalytic active layer (2), and a nanoscale hydrophilic-gas-repellent structure is disposed on the nanoscale secondary structure layer (4).

2. The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The micron-scale primary structure consists of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets in conical, columnar, or honeycomb microarrays grown on the surface of the catalytic active layer (2).

3. The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nanoscale secondary structure layer (4) is composed of nanowire structures and nanopore structures grown on the micrometer-scale primary structure.

4. The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The hydrophilic polymer layer is sprayed onto the surface of the micron-scale primary structure layer (3) and the nano-scale secondary structure layer (4).

5. The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hydrophilic polymer layer is a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane.

6. The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode substrate (1) is made of nickel.

7. The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catalytic active layer (2) is made of Raney nickel, NiMo alloy, NiFe layered double hydroxide or transition metal phosphide.

8. The self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catalytic active layer (2), the micron-level primary structure layer (3), and the nano-level secondary structure layer (4) are made of the same material.

9. A method for manufacturing a self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode, characterized in that, include: Pretreatment of the electrode substrate; A catalytically active layer is grown on the surface of the electrode substrate; A micron-scale primary structure layer is grown in the catalytic active layer using a hydrothermal method; Nanowires or porous structures are grown on the surface of the micron-scale primary structure layer by hydrothermal reaction to form a nanon-scale secondary structure layer. The catalytic active layer, the micron-scale primary structure layer, and the nano-scale secondary structure layer are annealed under an inert atmosphere.

10. A hydrogen production system, characterized in that, Includes the self-cleaning water electrolysis hydrogen production electrode as described in any one of claims 1-8.

Images