Electrodeposition of an alloy based on Ni, Co, and P for water electrolysis applications.

• Grant number: 25/05707-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Lucia Helena Mascaro Sales
• Grantee: Nathan dos Santos Moreira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Hydrogen gas (H2) plays a key role in the global scenario, being used in processes ranging from fertilizer production to fuel, with water as the combustion product. However, the main method for producing this gas is through methane steam reforming (CH4), a non-renewable source that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. As various health and environmental issues are associated with the release of these gases into the atmosphere, there has been a significant push in research on hydrogen production via water electrolysis, where the involved reactions are the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). In this context, electrocatalysts are crucial for increasing the efficiency of the electrolyzer as well as the reaction rates of HER and OER. Therefore, the materials used for this purpose must be abundant and low-cost. Among them, transition metal phosphides have been studied, and in addition to offering these two advantages, they also exhibit good intrinsic activity and stability over a wide pH range. Thus, this project proposes the electrodeposition of NiCoP and its use as a catalyst for water electrolysis in an alkaline medium, aiming to investigate its application in Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyzers. Furthermore, its morphology, crystallographic properties, elemental distribution, and compositional changes will also be analyzed. Based on this, it is expected that the obtained electrocatalyst will present satisfactory performance in terms of reaction kinetics and long-term stability, making it suitable for use in commercial electrolyzers. (AU)