Oxygen-evolution reaction by nickel/nickel oxide interface in the presence of ferrate(VI)

In this study, we investigate the effect of K2FeO4, as a new and soluble Fe salt at alkaline conditions, on oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) of Ni oxide. Both oxidation and reduction peaks for Ni in the presence and absence of Fe are linearly changed by (scan rate)(1/2). Immediately after the interaction of [FeO4](2-) with the surface of the electrode, a significant increase in OER is observed. This could be indicative of the fact that either the [FeO4](2-) on the surface of Ni oxide is directly involved in OER, or, it is important to activate Ni oxide toward OER. Due to the change in the Ni(II)/(III) peak, it is hypothesized that Fe impurity in KOH or electrochemical cell has different effects at the potential range. At low potential, [FeO4](2-) is reduced on the surface of the electrode, and thus, is significantly adsorbed on the electrode. Finally, oxygen-evolution measurements of K2FeO4 and Ni2O3 are investigated under chemical conditions. K2FeO4 is not stable in the presence of Ni(II) oxide, and OER is observed in a KOH solution (pH approximate to 13).