An investigation into the fundamental characteristics of a nickel-based water splitting catalyst

Water electrolysis (splitting water into O2 and H2; 2H2O 2H2 + O2) is a promising way to creating hydrogen gas as a storable chemical fuel. While H2 is the desired fuel, the evolution of oxygen hinders hydrogen production as it is kinetically challenging and requires potent and expensive catalysts to be driven at an appreciable rate. One of the most promising catalysts is nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), however there are still fundamental gaps in knowledge of its basic properties. The objective of this research is to investigate these unknown basic properties using a combination of theoretical calculations and experimental methods. The deliverable will be an enhanced understanding of how NiOOH operates as a catalyst, aiding the design of efficient next-generation catalysts.

Faculty Supervisor:

Simon Trudel

Student:

Partner:

Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: