Water electrolysis is a key technology for sustainable hydrogen production, which represents a promising renewable energy vector and an essential raw material for various industrial processes.
Despite the high efficiency of PEM electrolyzers, their widespread use remains limited due to the need for noble metals such as platinum and iridium, which serve as key catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In modern PEM electrolyzers, the anode is based on a catalytic layer of iridium compounds, whose high cost and limited availability pose a significant barrier to commercialization and broader implementation of the technology.
Compared to PEM electrolysis, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) allows the use of non-noble metal electrodes, improving economic accessibility and long-term sustainability. In this research, we will develop and optimize advanced electrodes composed of carbonized cellulose fibers modified with titanium oxynitride (TiON). By thermally treating cellulose fiber-TiO₂ composites in an inert atmosphere, we will synthesize electrode materials, where the carbon fibers derived from cellulose will provide mechanical strength to the electrodes, while titanium oxynitride will enhance electronic conductivity and electrochemical stability. The developed electrodes will serve as a support structure for the deposition of catalytic metal layers, such as nickel (Ni), which is known for its activity in the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions in an alkaline medium.
The aim of this research is to systematically study the impact of cellulose fiber type and the TiO₂ content ratio on the mechanical stability and electronic conductivity of the electrodes. Preliminary results already indicate adequate mechanical durability and high electronic conductivity of these electrodes, confirming their potential for use in next-generation electrolyzers.
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