Catalysts containing transition metals on nitrogen and carbon structures for hydrogen production through saltwater electrolysis

Abstract

When hydrogen is produced by electrolysis the possibility of water stress in some populations and scarcity of precious metals for catalyst production are seen as future barriers. The use of non-precious metal catalysts allied to direct saltwater splitting reduce the pressure on scarce resources. Here, four Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon (M-N-C) catalysts were synthesized with metal salts of Co, Fe, Ni and FeNi, with 1,5-diaminonhaptalene as N-C source. These catalysts were compared with a blank N-C without metal and a Pt/C commercial catalyst. Tests were conducted in electrolyte solution 0.5 M of H2SO4 and 0.5 M of NaCl. Results showed limited activity towards Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) compared with Pt/C and other non-precious metal catalysts. Nevertheless, points out trends for better catalyst synthesis as improved activity of FeNi catalyst in acidic media and saltwater.