Stabilized Co Single-Atom Catalyst via Ion Implantation for Efficient Hydrogen Production.

Although single-atom catalysts (SACs) are garnering significant attention due to their exceptional catalytic properties, the synthesis of SACs remains challenging due to their thermodynamic instability. Herein, stabilized Co-based SACs enabled by the ion implantation technique are presented. It is revealed that implantation of Co ions with an accelerating energy of 120 keV and a controlled fluence not only leads to the formation of stabilized Co single atoms without notable aggregation of Co atoms into nanoclusters, but also induces the creation of defects in the NiO support, such as oxygen vacancies.

Highly Efficient and Durable Ammonia Electrolysis Cell Using Zirfon Separator.

Most studies on ammonia electrolysis have focused on anion exchange membranes (AEMs), which face limitations in operating conditions, such as pH and ammonia concentration. This study introduces a novel concept of an ammonia electrolysis cell (AEC) utilizing a Zirfon separator capable of operating under high pH and ammonia concentrations. The Zirfon-based AECs achieve a peak current density of 915 mA cm, representing the highest reported value in AEC literature.

Understanding mechanical failure behaviours and protocol optimization for fast charging applications in Co-free Ni-based cathodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Currently, it is a significant challenge to achieve long-term cyclability and fast chargeability in lithium-ion batteries, especially for the Ni-based oxide cathode, due to severe chemo-mechanical degradation. Despite its importance, the fast charging long-term cycling behaviour is not well understood. Therefore, we comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of fast charging applications for Co-free layered oxide cathodes, with a focus on the extractable capacity and cyclability.

Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Using Superaerophobic Ni Nanoarrays with Accelerated H Bubble Release.

Despite the adverse effects of H bubbles adhering to catalyst's surface on the performance of water electrolysis, the mechanisms by which H bubbles are effectively released during the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remain elusive. In this study, a systematic investigation on the effect of nanoscale surface morphologies on H bubble release behaviors and HER performance by employing earth-abundant Ni catalysts consisting of an array of Ni nanorods (NRs) with controlled surface porosities is performed. Both aerophobicity and hydrophilicity of the catalyst's surface vary according to the surface porosity of catalysts.

Cathodic Protection System against a Reverse-Current after Shut-Down in Zero-Gap Alkaline Water Electrolysis.

Growing the hydrogen economy requires improving the stability, efficiency, and economic value of water-splitting technology, which uses an intermittent power supply from renewable energy sources. Alkaline water electrolysis systems face a daunting challenge in terms of stabilizing hydrogen production under the condition of transient start-up/shut-down operation. Herein, we present a simple but effective solution for the electrode degradation problem induced by the reverse-current under transient power condition based on a fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanism of nickel (Ni).

Tailoring Binding Abilities by Incorporating Oxophilic Transition Metals on 3D Nanostructured Ni Arrays for Accelerated Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Developing efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline water electrolysis plays a key role for renewable hydrogen energy technology. The slow reaction kinetics of HER in alkaline solutions, however, has hampered advances in high-performance hydrogen production. Herein, we investigated the trends in HER activity with respect to the binding energies of Ni-based thin film catalysts by incorporating a series of oxophilic transition metal atoms.