Graphene oxide modified non-noble metal electrode for alkaline anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers

This paper reports the performance of a graphene oxide modified non noble metal based electrode in alkaline anion exchange water electrolyzer. The electrolytic cell was fabricated using a polystyrene based anion exchange membrane and a ternary alloy electrode of Ni as cathode and oxidized Ni electrode coated with graphene oxide as anode. The electrochemical activity of the graphene oxide modified electrode was higher than the uncoated electrode. The anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) with the modified electrode gave 50% higher current density at 30 °C with deionised water compared to that of an uncoated electrode at 2 V. Performance was found to increase with increase in temperature and with the use of alkaline solutions. The results of the solid state water electrolysis cell are promising method of producing low cost hydrogen.