Integrating Electrochemical Analyses and Operando X-ray Spectroscopy of Fluorine-Doped α-Ni(OH)₂ for Alkaline Water Electrolysis

We examined the impact of fluorine incorporation in α-Ni(OH)2, synthesized through the liquid phase deposition (LPD) method, on its catalytic performance and durability in alkaline water electrolysis. Although the catalyst preparations under different synthesis conditions displayed similar structural characteristics, their oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities showed significant variability. Electrochemical evaluations conducted under strong alkaline electrolysis conditions indicated that optimized synthesis conditions resulted in high catalytic activity and improved durability against reverse current generations. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy analyses revealed distinct local fluorine coordination environments among the samples, underscoring their critical influence on electronic structure and catalytic behavior. These findings elucidate the vital role of fluorine incorporation in affecting catalytic performance, highlighting the potential of the LPD method for practical applications in alkaline water electrolysis.