A novel nickel electrode with gradient porosity distribution for alkaline water splitting

Abstract Electrodes with porous structures are widely used in commercial alkaline water splitting devices. By optimizing the porous structure, the efficiency of alkaline water splitting devices could be evidently promoted. In this work, nickel electrodes with gradient porosity distribution were designed and fabricated through selective laser melting. The effect of gradient porous distribution structure on electrochemical performance of Ni electrode was evaluated. The results showed that with small pores towards counter electrode the prepared Ni electrodes exhibits better anodic performance, and a better cathodic performance is observed with big pores towards the counter electrode. It was considered as joint effect of active specific area and mass transfer. Finally, by applying an electrolysis cell with optimized arrangement, an improvement of 14% electrolysis efficiency is achieved, which shows the potential of Ni electrodes with gradient porosity distribution to be applied in commercial application of hydrogen generation.