Synthesis and characterisation of oxide catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media

Abstract

The properties and suitability for catalysing the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media were studied for four oxide catalyst materials with the perovskite structure. The structure of the materials was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Two materials were studied in a three-electrode measurement set-up. Ten electrodes were prepared by coating Ni mesh with precursor solution of an oxide catalyst. Electrodes were characterised by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrochemical activity of the electrodes was studied in a twoelectrode set-up in conditions similar to the operating conditions of an alkaline water electrolyser. Results demonstrated that catalyst coating improved the catalytic activity of the substrate, resulting in activity similar to a commercial precious metal electrode.