New 3d-transition metal-based materials for efficient anodic electrocatalysis

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Anodic reactions that can be used as an alternative to the difficult oxygen evolution to facilitate the electrochemical generation of hydrogen at the cathode are, for example, the oxidation of alcohols or of ammonia. For these reactions, new electrocatalysts have to be developed. This project, within the research group UNODE (UNusual anODE reactions in electrochemical energy conversion: Value creation rather than oxygen evolution in hydrogen production), investigates two classes of 3d transition metal compounds with respect to their catalytic potential in alkaline electrolytes. On the one hand, binary hydoxycarbonate mixed salts are prepared by co-precipitation and their composition is varied. On the other hand, spinel oxides are also produced with variable composition either by calcination of the hydroxy carbonates or as so-called high entropy compounds. Through comprehensive solid-state chemical characterization and electrochemical testing with respect to activity, selectivity and stability, correlations between composition as well as structure and these catalytic properties will be studied. Through iterative optimization, new and highly effective electrocatalysts will thus be developed and investigated within the framework of the collaboration in the research group regarding reaction mechanisms.