The coverage of the electrode surface with hydrogen bubbles limits the efficiency of water electrolysis, as it reduces the active surface area available for the electrochemical reaction. Laser surface texturing enables control over wettability, roughness, and the active surface area of the electrode, and thus represents one of the approaches for improving efficiency. In this thesis, an experimental matrix was designed and a comparison was carried out between a smooth and a laser-textured platinum electrode at voltages of 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 V and pressures of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 bar. The current density was measured for both types of electrode, while the dynamics of hydrogen bubble formation and detachment were documented using a high-speed camera and evaluated in terms of bubble diameter and detachment frequency. The results show that the laser-textured electrode achieves a higher current density than the smooth electrode at atmospheric pressure across all examined voltages, whereas the effect of texturing on bubble size and detachment frequency depends on both voltage and pressure. The results were critically compared with findings from the literature and evaluated in terms of the advantages and limitations of using laser-textured electrodes in water electrolysis under elevated pressure.
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