Testing out (one-minute video) nickel-plated flexible graphite electrodes for use in water electrolysis. A 3M aq. acetic acid solution with a small addition of sodium chloride. The electrodes are conductive.
We deposited the nickel on the graphite surface via conventional electroplating. We have the SEM imagery on the surface after nickel deposition. You may want to see our video on employing "electroless " nickel -plating via redox approach.

(Here is a link to a free, downloadable paper on Ni and Cu electroless plating on graphite pieces.)

We work with supercapacitor designs (using selected DESs) but water electrolysis may be an interesting application with the graphite felt offering some surface area for gas evolution. Student Daniela is developing this research under my direction.
Here is a recent paper by some researchers for additional reading:

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Open AccessArticle
Graphite Felt as an Innovative Electrode Material for Alkaline Water Electrolysis and Zinc–Air Batteries
by Yejin Lee
, Seung-hee Park
and Sung Hoon Ahn
[ORCID]
Department of Bio-chemical Engineering, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Batteries 2024, 10(2), 49; doi.org/10.3390/batteries10020049
Submission received: 30 December 2023 / Revised: 24 January 2024 / Accepted: 26 January 2024 / Published: 28 January 2024


We will create a more extensive video and display the typical SEMs of the nickel-plated graphite felt under various electroplating conditions .

The Oxygen Production Problem (re: water electrolysis)

The oxygen production problem in water electrolysis stems from the complex chemical reactions involved and the efficiency of the catalysts used. Here's a breakdown of the issue:

Slow Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER):

The reaction responsible for oxygen production is slower than the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
This leads to a higher energy barrier for oxygen formation, requiring more energy input and slowing down the overall process.

Catalyst Efficiency:

Catalysts are crucial for accelerating the OER, but current catalysts often suffer from:
Low efficiency: They don't effectively reduce the energy barrier.
Stability issues: They degrade over time, reducing their effectiveness.
High cost: Some catalysts, like noble metals, are expensive and limit scalability.

Gas-Liquid Separation:

Separating the produced oxygen gas from the liquid electrolyte can be challenging, especially in large-scale systems.
Incomplete separation can lead to:
Reduced oxygen purity.
Increased energy consumption due to the need for additional purification steps.
Potential safety hazards if oxygen and hydrogen gases mix.

Addressing the Oxygen Production Problem:

Researchers and engineers are actively working on solutions to these challenges:

Developing more efficient catalysts: This includes exploring new materials like metal oxides, perovskites, and non-precious metal catalysts.
Optimizing electrolyzer design: This involves improving gas-liquid separation techniques and reducing internal resistance to minimize energy losses.
Exploring alternative electrolysis techniques: Technologies like solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) offer potential advantages in terms of efficiency and flexibility.

By addressing these issues, researchers aim to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of water electrolysis for sustainable hydrogen production and oxygen generation.