FeNiCo aerogel for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline systems: Microfluidic and anion exchange membrane electrolyzers

FeNiCo and NiCo aerogels were prepared by a simple and rapid synthesis method. These aerogels were used as catalysts in two systems: microfluidic and anion exchange membrane electrolyzers. These novel catalysts explored the influence of Fe incorporated in a NiCo alloy on the electrochemical water splitting. Physicochemical characterizations were carried out to analyse the structure, morphology and surface composition. The electrochemical performance of FeNiCo for OER evaluated in a microfluidic electrolysis cell demonstrated a hydrogen production of 220 mu g s-1 10-7 during 35 h, while an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer with a catalyst-coated membrane using FeNiCo as anode reached a current density of 2.2 A cm-2 at 2.2 V and 60 degrees C. A stability test of 24 h at 1 A cm-2 and 60 degrees C was successfully carried out.