Towards Scalable Synthesis Methods for Nickel–Molybdenum Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Catalysts
Mantri, Aayush (2018) Towards Scalable Synthesis Methods for Nickel–Molybdenum Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Catalysts. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)
Hydrogen is a critical chemical reagent, important as a chemical feedstock as well as an energy carrier for the future. However, a majority of it is produced from unsustainable fossil fuel sources while the existing electrochemical routes for H2 generation that can replace these conventional sources continue to remain economically uncompetitive. Alkaline Electrolyzers offer a well matured, comparatively low-cost electrolysis technology for sustainable H2 production. An important barrier towards the success of this technology is the identification of efficient, inexpensive, stable non-precious material for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution
reaction in these systems. Nickel –Molybdenum (Ni–Mo) catalysts have been recognized as a promising candidate to overcome this barrier.
This work focuses on developing an efficient and scalable route for synthesizing Ni–Mo nanopowders while limiting the toxicity profile of the synthetic methods identified previously for the production of these systems. It also delves into the evaluation of the structure-function-activity relationships demonstrated by these systems; testing the feasibility of some common strategies for enhancement of their catalytic activities based on the prior study. In particular, we found that the addition of carbon additives alleviates conductivity issues present in these systems, resulting in a significant enhancement in the electrochemical performance of these catalysts.
An overarching goal behind the entirety of this work has been to identify the most active Ni–Mo based systems that can be synthesized in a scalable and sustainable manner and are readily usable in modern–day electrolyzer installations.
Mantri, Aayush aam135@pitt.edu aam135
Committee Chair McKone, James jmckone@pitt.edu
Committee Member Veser, Goetz gveser@pitt.edu
Committee Member Fullerton Shirey, Susan fullerton@pitt.edu
Swanson School of Engineering > Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
HER, Alkaline electrolyzer, Ni-Mo, catalysts