Alkaline Electrolysis Anode with Oxide Catalyst Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrodes used in alkaline water electrolysis exhibit high overpotential and low productivity, limiting their practical application.
Innovation Solution
An anode for alkaline water electrolysis is developed, featuring a conductive substrate with a nickel or nickel-based alloy and an electrode catalyst layer composed of nickel-cobalt spinel oxide or lanthanide-nickel-cobalt perovskite oxide, combined with iridium oxide and ruthenium oxide, which are formed through a heat treatment process in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to enhance catalyst dispersion and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional nickel electrodes are used in alkaline water electrolysis, then corrosion resistance is maintained, but overpotential is high and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining nickel-based alloy substrate with oxide catalyst layers (such as nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, or their mixed oxides). This composite structure leverages the corrosion resistance of nickel while adding catalytic activity from the oxide layers, thereby reducing overpotential and improving electrolysis productivity without sacrificing durability in alkaline environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the nickel electrode by forming oxide layers through controlled oxidation processes. This transforms the surface composition and structure, creating a multi-layered catalyst system that reduces overpotential while maintaining the underlying nickel substrate's corrosion resistance. The oxide layer thickness and composition are optimized to balance catalytic activity and stability.
2Reliability
If high-concentration alkaline aqueous solution is used as electrolyte, then conductivity increases with temperature, but corrosiveness also increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the temperature-conductivity-corrosiveness relationship by developing electrode materials that maintain stability across a range of operating conditions. The oxide catalyst layers are designed to remain stable in high-concentration alkaline solutions at elevated temperatures, enabling the system to operate at higher temperatures for improved conductivity without excessive corrosion, as the protective oxide layers resist alkaline attack.
3Reliability
If nickel or nickel-based alloy substrate is used, then corrosion resistance in alkaline solution is ensured, but overpotential remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces overpotential by creating composite electrode structures where nickel-based alloy substrates are coated with oxide catalyst layers. The nickel substrate provides excellent corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity, while the oxide layers (nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, or mixed oxides) provide high catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction. This composite approach decouples the functions of structural stability and catalytic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating oxide catalyst layers specifically on the electrode surface where catalytic activity is needed, while maintaining the bulk nickel substrate for structural integrity and corrosion resistance. The oxide layers are formed through controlled oxidation processes that create a gradient or multi-layer structure, with different compositions optimized for their specific functions: catalysis at the surface and structural support beneath.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The anode achieves a significantly lower overpotential of up to 60 mV compared to conventional nickel electrodes, improving corrosion resistance and maintaining a low overpotential while ensuring the catalyst components remain stable and well-adhered.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode catalyst layer formed on the surface of the conductive substrate, wherein a catalyst component that constitutes the electrode catalyst layer contains a first catalyst component having either a nickel-cobalt spinel oxide or a lanthanide-nickel-cobalt perovskite oxide
Implementation Method 2
Anode reaction: 2OH- → H2O + 1/2O2 + 2e-
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are an anode for alkaline water electrolysis that can achieve a low overpotential at low cost, and a method for producing the anode for alkaline water electrolysis. An anode for alkaline water electrolysis having electrode catalyst layers 2, 3 composed of a first catalyst component having either a nickel-cobalt spinel oxide or a lanthanide-nickel-cobalt perovskite oxide and a second catalyst component having at least one of iridium oxide and ruthenium oxide formed on the surface of a conductive substrate 1 composed of nickel or a nickel-based alloy, and a method for producing the anode for alkaline water electrolysis.