Dimensionally Stable Anodes (DSA®) for Electrochemical Water Splitting: Redox Properties, OER Kinetics and Mechanism at RuO2/ NiO Modified Electrodes in Aqueous Base

Abstract

The RuO2/NiO electrode was found to be extremely effective as a water oxidation catalyst in alkaline conditions. Addition of 25 mol % of RuO2 to a NiO electrode lowered the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential by ca. 30 %. Based on kinetic data obtained we have proposed a mechanism for both RuO2 and NiO utilizing the surfaquo group concept which envisages water oxidation occurring at hydrated interlinked oxy-metal surface active groups.