Realizing the potential of hydrophobic crystalline carbon as a support for oxygen evolution electrocatalysts

Abstract

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is a sustainable solution for achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting growing energy demands through green H₂ production. However, its commercialization has not been realized thus far owing to inefficient catalyst use and unsatisfactory performance, which are correlated to the inadequacy of current electrode structures. In this study, we developed an efficient electrode structure based on a corrosion-resistant hydrophobic crystalline carbon support, which was incorporated as a support for Fe–Ni–Co layered double hydroxide electrocatalysts. We observed an AEMWE performance greater than that reported in previous studies in terms of activity [mass-specific power (24.1 kW g_metal⁻¹)] and durability (−0.06 mV h⁻¹ for 520 h at 1.0 A cm⁻²). This could be attributed to the improved mass transport because of rapid water diffusion around the hydrophobic carbon and strong metal–carbon interactions. We believe that this study will promote the development of more carbon-supported oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts.