Catalytic activities of Ni-decorated boron particles

Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 125
Author(s): Hye Jin Jung, Kyusuk Nam, Jisuk Lee, Doo-Hee Han, Hong-Gye Sung, Hyung Soo Hyun, Youngku Sohn, Weon Gyu Shin
Ni-decorated boron (Ni/B) particles were prepared by a ball-milling method, and their physicochemical properties were fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) elemental mapping, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Upon decoration by Ni, the previously inactive boron particles showed enhanced activity in CO oxidation and photoelectrochemical hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HERs/OERs). The CO oxidation onset and T10% were observed around 320 and 350°C, respectively. In preliminary tests, the Ni/B (1:3 w/w) sample showed UV and visible light current responses, and current densities of 600 and 240μA/cm² were observed at a potential of 500mV for HER and OER, respectively. The present study emphasizes the potential application of boron as a catalyst support material for air quality control and photoelectrochemical hydrogen/oxygen evolution.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2pzAHpB