Identification of Suitable Mesh Size of Commercial Stainless‐Steel for Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The study examines the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalytic efficiency of various stainless-steel mesh (SSM) sizes in electrolytic cells. Stainless steel is chosen due to its widespread availability and stability, making it an economically viable option. The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the optimal stainless-steel mesh size among those currently widely available on the market. The classification of stainless-steel mesh sizes as SS304 is confirmed by the minimal compositional variations observed across all mesh sizes through electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses. Remarkably, CV experiments carried out at different scan rates indicate that SSM 200 has the maximum specific electrochemical surface area (ECSA). As a result, SSM 200 demonstrates superior performance in terms of current density response and shows the lowest overpotential in the alkaline medium compared to other stainless-steel mesh sizes. Furthermore, the SSM 200 exhibits a low overpotential of 337 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm