Synthesis of Fe-doped β-Ni(OH)2 microcrystals and their oxygen evolution reactions

In order to improve the efficiency of the water splitting system for hydrogen energy production, the high overvoltage in the electrochemical reaction caused by the catalyst in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) must be reduced. Among them, transition metal-based compounds (hydroxide, sulfide, etc.) are attracting attention as catalyst materials to replace currently used precious metals such as platinum. In this study, Ni foam, an inexpensive metal porous material, was used as a support and beta-Ni(OH)(2 )microcrystals were synthesized through a hydrothermal synthesis process. In addition, changes in the crystal morphology, crystal structure, and water splitting characteristics of beta-Ni(OH)(2) microcrystals synthesized by doping Fe to improve electrochemical properties were observed, and applicability as a catalyst in a commercial water electrolysis system was examined.