Promotion Effect of Modified Ni/C by La–Ce Oxide for Durable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Improved durability of transition metal electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is increasing in importance for commercialized, eco-friendly hydrogen production. In this study we report improved electrocatalytic activity and durability of Ni, which has potential in an alkaline atmosphere for HER via the interaction between Ni and La–Ce oxide (LCO). Excellent HER durability was guaranteed by the interaction between Ni and LCO, owing to changes in the electronic structure, improved activity, and durability of anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). The LCO promoted Ni nanoparticle deposition on carbon black (Ni-LCO/C); this showed a lower overpotential of 114 mVRHE at a current density of 10 mA cm–2 and higher long-term stability compared to Ni/C. This study demonstrates that the combination of Ni and LCO is a powerful way to improve the efficiency of AEMWE. This can be applied to high-efficiency hydrogen production.