Transition metal-doped nickel oxyhydroxide catalyst, preparation method thereof, and use thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalysts for seawater electrolysis face challenges in high chloride ion concentrations, leading to corrosion and reduced efficiency under high current density conditions, with operational lifetimes typically below 500 hours.

Innovation Solution

A transition metal-doped nickel oxyhydroxide catalyst is prepared via electrodeposition and anodic oxidation, incorporating amorphous transition metal oxides to form a dense nanosheet structure, enhancing resistance to chloride ion corrosion and maintaining high catalytic activity and selectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing catalysts are used for seawater electrolysis, then hydrogen production can be achieved, but the catalysts suffer from rapid degradation and corrosion in high chloride ion concentration environments, with operational lifetimes below 500 hours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalyst stabilityVSAvoidoperational lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses NiFe-layered double hydroxide as a composite catalyst material that combines nickel and iron in a specific layered structure. This composite structure provides both high catalytic activity for oxygen evolution and enhanced stability against chloride ion corrosion, achieving over 6000 hours of stable operation in simulated seawater electrolysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst employs a layered double hydroxide structure with specific local composition and arrangement of nickel and iron atoms. This local structural quality creates regions with different electronic properties that enhance both catalytic activity and corrosion resistance, allowing the material to withstand harsh seawater environments long-term.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If high current density conditions are applied for industrial hydrogen production, then productivity increases, but catalyst selectivity and corrosion resistance requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production rateVSAvoidcatalyst selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition parameters of the NiFe-layered double hydroxide catalyst, specifically the ratio of nickel to iron and the layer structure dimensions. These parameter changes enhance the catalyst's electronic structure to favor oxygen evolution reaction selectivity even at high current densities, maintaining high Faradaic efficiency while increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If chloride ion concentration in seawater is high, then hydrogen production potential is high, but competitive chlorine evolution reaction occurs and causes electrode corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production potentialVSAvoidchlorine evolution and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high chloride ion concentration into a beneficial outcome by designing a NiFe-layered double hydroxide catalyst that is specifically resistant to chloride corrosion. The catalyst's unique structure prevents chloride ions from attacking the electrode while still allowing efficient oxygen evolution, effectively using the high chloride environment to drive hydrogen production without suffering corrosion damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 catalyst operates stably for over 6000 hours at 500 mA cm−2 in simulated seawater electrolytes, achieving over 99% Faradaic efficiency for oxygen evolution, demonstrating superior performance in direct seawater electrolysis.

Implementation Method 1

employing the mixed metal-salt solution as an electrolyte; and electrodepositing, by chronoamperometry or chronopotentiometry means, a precursor catalyst onto the conductive substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrodeposition: Electrodeposition

Implementation Method 2

by chronopotentiometry electrolysis, converting the precursor in situ into the transition-metal-doped nickel hydroxyoxide catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnodic oxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20260009149A1Transition metal-doped nickel oxyhydroxide catalyst, preparation method thereof, and use thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 ZHEJIANG BAIMA LAKE LABORATORY CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a transition metal-doped nickel oxyhydroxide catalyst, its preparation method, and its application in seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production. The method includes: (1) constructing a three-electrode system and using a chronoamperometry or chronopotentiometry method to electrodeposit a precatalyst onto a conductive substrate from a mixed metal salt solution containing nickel, iron, and at least one other transition metal salt such as cobalt or chromium; and (2) using the precatalyst-loaded substrate as a working electrode in an alkaline solution and applying a constant current to perform an in-situ conversion, thereby forming the final transition metal-doped nickel oxyhydroxide catalyst. The resulting catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity, high selectivity for oxygen evolution, and exceptional long-term stability under high current densities, making it highly suitable for direct seawater electrolysis systems,