KR20230137275A - Multi-functional catalyst for water electrolysis in which transition metal-chalcogen compound is electrodeposited, catalyst electrode using same, and method for manufacturing the same. - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a catalyst applied to a water electrolysis system and a catalyst electrode using the same. The catalyst has a transition metal chalcogen compound, and the catalyst electrode consists of a hydrophilic coating film and TMCs catalyst layer. A hydrogen generation and an oxygen generation operation can be performed simultaneously at one electrode, as the TMCs catalyst layer can be easily formed according to the hydrophilic coating film formation. A method comprises: a preparing step; and a manufacturing step.

Description

Multi-functional catalyst for water electrolysis in which transition metal-chalcogen compound is electrodeposited, catalyst electrode using same, and method for producing the same manufacturing the same.}

The present invention relates to a catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, and more specifically, to a catalyst electrode for water electrolysis manufactured by electrodepositing a transition metal-chalcozene compound on a conductive substrate.

Recently, as energy crises and environmental problems arise due to fossil fuel consumption, research to develop alternative energy sources has been actively conducted. In particular, water electrolysis is attracting attention as an energy source that can replace fossil fuels because it can produce energy without harm.

However, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of the water electrolysis reaction has a very slow reaction rate, so a large overvoltage must be supplied for normal operation of the water electrolysis system, causing a lot of loss in terms of energy. In addition, platinum is widely used as a hydrogen generation catalyst, but it is acting as a factor in increasing the price of water electrolysis systems due to the problem of being a precious metal. These problems are acting as an obstacle to commercialization of the system, and to solve the problem, it is necessary to develop non-precious metal-based water electrolysis catalyst electrodes with high activity and good durability.

In the case of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), although the reaction rate is fast, the commonly used catalyst is platinum-based, which is considered a problem from the commercialization of the system. Recently, research on non-precious metal catalysts such as MoS, NiFe, and CoW is actively underway, and alternative catalysts with better activity than platinum have been reported. However, methods suitable for mass production of catalysts and large electrode areas for commercialization of the system are still being researched. there is.

Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) can be used as the catalyst, and are simple and mass-produced using a solution phase synthesis process. However, the solution phase synthesis process was not easy to control the structure of the transition metal chalcogen compound.

Therefore, in order to commercialize or scale up water electrolysis systems, there is a need for a catalyst electrode and a method for manufacturing the same that use low-cost materials as catalyst materials and enable accurate composition control in a simple manner.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0127885

One embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate having electrical conductivity; A hydrophilic coating layer formed on the substrate; and a TMCs catalyst layer formed on the coating layer. A TMCs multi-functional catalyst electrode for water electrolysis is provided.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes preparing an electrolyte for electrical deposition in which a transition metal precursor and a chalcogen precursor are dispersed; and performing electrical deposition by introducing the electrolyte into a two-electrode system using a conductive substrate as a working electrode and a counter electrode.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is not limited to the technical problem mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. There will be.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis and a method for manufacturing the same. The TMCs multi-functional catalyst electrode for water electrolysis includes a substrate having electrical conductivity; A hydrophilic coating layer formed on the substrate; And it may include a TMCs catalyst layer formed on the hydrophilic coating layer.

The electrically conductive substrate may be any one of nickel, copper, titanium, tungsten, aluminum, silver, stainless steel, carbon, iron, cobalt, molybdenum, and graphene.

The hydrophilic coating layer may be metal nitrate or carbon nitride.

The metal nitrate may be NiNO ₃ .

The TMCs catalyst layer includes TiS, ZrS, HfS, VS, NbS, TaS, MoS, WS, TcS, ReS, CoS, RhS, IrS, NiS, PdS, PtS, FeS, TiSe, ZrSe, HfSe, VSe, NbSe, TaSe, It may include one of MoSe, WSe, TcSe, ReSe, CoSe, RhSe, IrSe, NiSe, PdSe, PtSe, FeSe, and NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 .

The TMCs catalyst layer may be any one of NiS, NiSe, FeSe, and NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 .

The method of manufacturing the TMCs multi-functional catalyst electrode for water electrolysis includes preparing an electrolyte for electrical deposition in which a transition metal precursor and a chalcogen precursor are dispersed; and manufacturing a TMCs catalyst electrode by performing electrical deposition by introducing the electrolyte for electrical deposition into a two-electrode system using the electrically conductive substrate as a working electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the electrical deposition is performed from a power source. The supplied current may be applied for a certain period of time as a positive current flowing in the direction of the working electrode, and then applied for a certain period of time as a negative current in which the positive and current flows in opposite directions.

Between preparing the electrolyte for electrical deposition and performing the electrical deposition to produce a TMCs catalyst electrode, the electrically conductive substrate is washed in the order of hydrochloric acid, distilled water, and ethanol to remove the oxidized surface, and then dried in an oven. A preprocessing process may be additionally included.

When the positive current is applied for a certain period of time, the hydrophilic coating layer may be formed on the electrically conductive substrate.

When the negative current is applied for a certain period of time, a TMCs catalyst layer may be formed on the hydrophilic coating layer.

The time for applying the positive and negative currents may be 10 to 20 minutes.

The value of the positive current may be 40 to 60 mA/cm ² .

The value of the negative current may be 40 to 60 mA/cm ² .

The transition metal precursor is Co(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O, Fe(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·9H ₂ O, Na ₂ MoO ₄ ·2H ₂ O, Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O and Na ₂ WO. It may be any one of ₄ ·2H ₂ O.

The transition metal precursor may be added at a concentration of 0.01mM to 0.05mM relative to the electrolyte for electrical deposition.

The chalcogen precursor may be any one of CH ₄ N ₂ S and SeO ₂ .

The chalcogen precursor may be added at a concentration of 0.01mM to 0.05mM compared to the electrolyte for electrical deposition.

The electrolyte for electrical deposition may further include a pH adjuster.

The pH adjusting agent may be ethanol amine.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hydrophilic coating layer and a TMCs catalyst layer are formed in a double-layer structure on an electrically conductive substrate, and the hydrophilic coating layer makes it easy to form the TMCs catalyst layer, saving time compared to the existing manufacturing process. and it may be possible to expand the area.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the TMCs catalyst layer is formed by electrodepositing on the substrate using an electrolyte solution containing a transition metal precursor and a chalcogen precursor, thereby more accurately controlling the composition of the catalyst and applying it to a water electrolysis system. Thus, stability can be maintained.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a catalyst electrode including a TMCs catalyst layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a catalyst electrode manufacturing apparatus using a galvanostatic method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a method of manufacturing a catalyst electrode including a TMCs catalyst layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an XPS spectrum of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an SEM and EDS image of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a graph evaluating the HER performance of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a graph evaluating the OER performance of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a graph summarizing the HER performance and OER performance of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a graph evaluating the HER performance and OER performance of the TMCs catalyst electrode with controlled composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a graph evaluating the catalytic stability of a TMCs catalyst electrode with controlled composition according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a graph evaluating the double cell performance and stability of the TMCs catalyst electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present inventive concept described below can be subjected to various transformations and can have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and explained in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit this creative idea to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, or substitutes included in the technical scope of this creative idea.

The terms used below are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the creative idea. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Hereinafter, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, components, materials, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are intended to indicate the presence of one or more of the It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, components, materials, or combinations thereof.

In order to clearly express various layers and areas in the drawing, the thickness is enlarged or reduced. Throughout the specification, similar parts are given the same reference numerals. Throughout the specification, when a part such as a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc. is said to be “on” or “on” another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly on top of the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. . Throughout the specification, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or regions, these elements, parts, regions, layers and/or regions are It will be understood that we should not be limited by these terms.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a catalyst capable of producing oxygen gas and/or hydrogen gas from water and an electrode using the same are provided. The electrode acts like a catalyst. That is, the electrode is capable of catalytically producing oxygen gas or hydrogen gas from water, but the electrode does not necessarily participate in the chemical reaction involved and is therefore consumed to any significant extent.

The catalyst used in one embodiment of the invention relates to and increases the rate of a chemical electrolysis reaction (or other electrochemical reaction), and participates in the reaction as part of the electrolysis itself, but also by the reaction itself. It refers to a substance that is largely indestructible and can therefore participate in multiple chemical transformations. Catalytic material may also mean a catalyst and/or catalyst composition. The catalytic material is not a bulk current collector material that simply provides or receives electrons from an electrolysis reaction, but is a material that changes the chemical state of one or more ions during the catalytic process. For example, the catalyst material is given in its usual sense in one oxidation state during the catalytic process. It will be understood from the other descriptions herein that the catalytic materials may be consumed in small amounts during a particular use and, in many embodiments, may be regenerated to their original chemical state.

The catalyst electrode used in the present invention is an electrode coated with a catalyst material having excellent HER performance and OER performance simultaneously on a substrate having electrical conductivity. The catalyst material may include a transition metal and chalcogen.

Hereinafter, a catalyst for water electrolysis according to exemplary embodiments, an electrode to which it is applied, and a method of manufacturing the same will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a catalyst electrode including a TMCs catalyst layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the catalyst electrode 100 may have a structure in which a double layer composed of a hydrophilic coating layer 20 and a TMCs catalyst layer 30 is deposited on an electrically conductive substrate 10.

The electrically conductive substrate 10 is not limited as long as it is a metal substrate with excellent conductivity, and specifically, any one of nickel, copper, titanium, tungsten, aluminum, silver, stainless steel, carbon, iron, cobalt, molybdenum, and graphene. It can be.

The nickel is a non-precious metal catalyst, and is economical because its price is lower than that of the precious metal catalysts commonly used in water electrolysis systems. According to one embodiment, the nickel may include one or more types selected from nickel foam (Ni foam), nickel plate, nickel wire, and nickel rod, and may specifically be nickel foam (Ni foam) or nickel metal. .

The nickel foam (Ni foam) may be provided with voids having a size of several hundred um to several mm formed therein.

When nickel is used as the electrically conductive substrate 10, the size of the nickel substrate is not particularly limited and can be determined as needed, such as electrode size, and the nickel substrate has a surface with a nanoporous structure containing nanopores. You can have it.

The hydrophilic coating layer 20 is a material having an amorphous bulk structure that is weakly bonded to the surface of the positively charged electrically conductive substrate 10 with a charge-balancing anion layer interposed therebetween. According to one embodiment, the formation of the hydrophilic coating layer 20 is carried out using any one of nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and BOE (Buffered Oxide Etchant) solution mixed with hydrogen fluoride (HF) and ammonium fluoride (NH ₄ F). It can be done, and specifically, it can be done using nitric acid.

The hydrophilic coating layer 20 may vary depending on the type of electrically conductive substrate 10 used. If a substrate containing metal is used as the electrically conductive substrate 10, it may be metal nitrate [M _x (NO ₃ ) _y ], and if a substrate containing carbon is used, it may be carbon nitride (C ₃ N ₄ ). there is. Specifically, when a nickel substrate is used as the electrically conductive substrate 10, the hydrophilic coating layer 20 formed may be NiNO ₃ . The NiNO ₃ layer is formed by placing anions such as NO ₃ ^- , a reactant, on the surface of a nickel substrate, and can increase activity and expand the reaction area by reducing the surface energy of the substrate. Accordingly, the formation of a catalyst layer on the hydrophilic coating layer 20 structure can be made easier.

The catalyst layer may be transition metal chalcogen compounds (TMCs) formed on the negatively charged hydrophilic coating layer 20, and may be provided as a single layer or multilayer. The TMCs catalyst layer 30 may be formed as a single layer or a multi-layer structure of 2 to 4 layers.

The TMCs catalyst layer 30 may contain transition metals and chalcozenes, and the performance of the water electrolysis system can be improved by increasing the activity and durability of the catalyst due to the TMCs catalyst layer 30.

The TMCs catalyst layer 30 can be used as a HER catalyst. As shown in the following formulas (2) and (3), when HER is operated at a cathode using the TMCs catalyst layer 30 as a catalyst in a basic atmosphere, hydrogen gas may be generated from the cathode through a reduction reaction. At this time, electrons (e ^- ) in the reduction reaction may be transferred through the circuit from the oxidation electrode, which is the counter electrode.

M(*) + H ₂ O + e ^- →MH(*) + OH ^- (2)

MH(*) + H ₂ O + e ^- →M + H ₂ + OH ^- (3)

However, '*' shown in the above formulas (2) and (3) indicates the catalytically active site.

The TMCs catalyst layer 30 can be used as an OER catalyst. As shown in the following formulas (4) to (7), during OER operation at the anode using the TMCs catalyst layer 30 as a catalyst in a basic atmosphere, oxygen may be generated from the anode through an oxidation reaction.

OH ^- + M →M-OH(*) + e ^- (4)

M-OH(*) + OH ^- →MO(*) + H ₂ O + e ^- (5)

MO(*) + OH ^- →M-OOH(*) + e ^- (6)

M-OOH(*) + OH ^- →O ₂ + H ₂ O + e ^- + M (7)

However, '*' shown in the above formulas (4) to (7) indicates the catalytically active site.

The TMCs catalyst layer 30 can be manufactured by a simple electrochemical process that can be applied to large areas, and is a multi-functional electrode catalyst with improved oxygen generation performance as well as hydrogen generation performance, so the electrode to which it is applied is an electrode (anode) where OER occurs. ) and the electrode (cathode) where HER occurs, or both.

Additionally, the TMCs catalyst layer 30 may be a compound represented by the following formula (1):

[Formula 1]

_{MX a}

In formula 1, M is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Tc, Re, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt or _Fe , X _b is S, Se or Te.

_Additionally , X _b may be selected from the same or different elements, and may satisfy all of 0 <a ≤ 1, 0 <b ≤ 1, and a+b=1.

The transition metals include Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt and Hg. It may be selected from the group consisting of, and specifically may be Ni. The chalcogen may be selected from the group consisting of S, Se, and Te.

The TMCs catalyst layer 30 is TiS, VS, CrS, MnS, FeS, CoS, NiS, CuS, ZnS, ZrS, NbS, MoS, RuS, RhS, PdS, AgS, TaS, WS, ReS, OsS, IrS, PtS , HgS, TiSe, VSe, CrSe, MnSe, FeSe, CoSe, NiSe, NiS _0.5 Se _0.5, CuSe, ZnSe, ZrSe, NbSe, MoSe, RuSe, RhSe, PdSe, AgSe, TaSe, WSe, ReSe, OsSe, IrSe, Among PtSe, HgSe, TiTe, VTe, CrTe, MnTe, FeTe, CoTe, NiTe, CuTe, ZnTe, ZrTe, NbTe, MoTe, RuTe, RhTe, PdTe, AgTe, TaTe, WTe, ReTe, OsTe, IrTe, PtTe and HgTe It may be at least any one, but is not limited thereto.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a catalyst electrode manufacturing apparatus using a galvanostatic method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The galvanostatic method may measure the change in voltage over time by applying a constant current (galvanostatic).

Referring to Figure 2, an apparatus for the production of a catalytic electrode consists of a container 1 for containing an electrolyte 3, a hydrophilic coating layer 20 and a working electrode 5 which provides a substrate on which the TMCs catalyst layer 30 will be deposited. ; and a counter electrode (7). The working electrode 5 and the counter electrode 7 are connected to a power supply. At this time, the working electrode 5 and the counter electrode 7 are not limited as long as they are metal substrates with excellent conductivity as described above, and specifically, nickel, copper, titanium, tungsten, aluminum, silver, stainless steel, carbon, iron, and cobalt. , molybdenum, and graphene.

First, direct current flowing from the power source to the working electrode 5 is defined as positive current. The current supplied from the power source may be continuous or in pulse form. When a positive current is supplied from the power source, the nickel substrate used as the working electrode 5 becomes a (+) electrode, and anions dissolved in the electrolyte 3 solution cause an oxidation reaction on the nickel substrate to form the hydrophilic coating layer. (20) can be formed.

Meanwhile, a direct current flowing from the power source to the counter electrode 7 is defined as a negative current. The positive current and the negative current may flow in opposite directions. When negative current is supplied from the power source, the working electrode 5 can become an electron-rich (-) electrode. At this time, cations dissolved in the electrolyte (3) solution may cause a reduction reaction on the hydrophilic coating layer (20) to form the TMCs catalyst layer (30).

Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a method of manufacturing a catalyst electrode including a TMCs catalyst layer 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the method of manufacturing the catalyst electrode 100 for water electrolysis includes manufacturing an electrolyte for electrical deposition (S100); and manufacturing a TMCs electrode through electrical deposition (S200).

Between the step of preparing the electrolyte for electrical deposition (S100) and the step of manufacturing the TMCs electrode through electrical deposition (S200), hydrochloric acid, distilled water, and ethanol are used to remove the oxidized surface of the electrically conductive substrate 10. This may include a pretreatment process of sequential washing followed by drying in an oven.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of manufacturing the catalyst electrode 100 for water electrolysis may first produce an electrolyte for electrical deposition (S100). The electrolyte for electrical deposition may be a transition metal precursor and a chalcogen precursor dispersed in a solvent, and a pH adjuster may be added.

The transition metal precursors include Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt and Hg. Examples include, but are not limited to, hydroxide, nitrate, sulfate, acetate, chloride, acetylacetonate, formate, or oxide containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the transition metal cation in the electrolyte may be in the range of 0.001M to 0.1M. Specifically, the concentration of the transition metal cation in the electrolyte may range from 0.01M to 0.05M.

The chalcogen precursor may contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of S, Se, and Te, for example, sulfur, hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S), diethyl sulfide, dimethyl Disulfide, ethyl methyl sulfide, (Et ₃ Si) ₂ S, hydrogen selenide (H ₂ Se), diethyl selenide, dimethyl deselenide, ethyl Methyl methyl selenide, (Et ₃ Si) ₂ Se, hydrogen telenium (H ₂ Te), dimethyl telluride, diethyl telluride, Ethyl methyl telluride telluride) and (Et ₃ Si) ₂ Te, but is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the chalcogen ion in the electrolyte may be in the range of 0.001M to 0.1M. Specifically, the concentration of the chalcogen ion in the electrolyte may be in the range of 0.01M to 0.05M. Within the above range, when the TMCs catalyst layer 30 is formed on the hydrophilic coating layer 20, the electrochemical catalyst activity of the nickel substrate can be more effectively increased.

The transition metal and chalcogen element contained in the electrolyte may each be obtained by dissolving different types of precursor compounds, or may be obtained by dissolving one type of precursor compound containing both. Specifically, when selecting Ni as the transition metal and S as the chalcogen, a precursor containing Ni and a precursor containing S may be dissolved and used at an appropriate concentration, or alternatively, a NiS single precursor compound may be dissolved and used. , but is not limited to this.

There is no particular limitation on the solvent for dispersing the transition metal and chalcogen ions, but any solvent that allows uniform dissolution and mixing of the precursor compound and from which the solvent can be easily removed can be used. Usable solvents include, for example, water, alcohol-based, carbonate-based, glycol-based, thiol-based, amine-based, acetone, or mixed solvents thereof. Non-limiting examples of such solvents include alcohols such as purified water, ethanol, and methanol; Acetone, tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride, chloroform, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) ), cyclohexane, dichloromethane, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile, pyridine, amines, etc., or mixtures thereof.

The pH adjuster may be any one of sodium carbonate, triethanolamine (TEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and ethanol amine, but is not limited thereto.

After preparing the electrolyte for electrical deposition (S100), electrochemical treatment (S200) is performed using the electrolyte. Through this simple electrochemical treatment, a double layer including a hydrophilic coating layer 20 containing nickel and a TMCs catalyst layer 30 can be formed on the surface of the nickel substrate.

The electrochemical treatment may be performed using one or more types selected from cyclic voltammetry, constant voltage, constant current, pulse voltage, and pulse current. Specifically, it can be performed using Chrono Potentiometry (CP) using the constant current.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, first, the nickel substrate used as the working electrode 5 is placed in the electrolyte, and when the positive current, which is direct current from the power source in the direction of the working electrode 5, is applied, a transition metal is formed on the surface of the nickel substrate. Nickel nitrate foam, which is the hydrophilic coating layer 20, may be formed by depositing nitrate anions (NO ₃ ^- ) generated from ethanolamine added as a precursor or pH adjuster.

The nickel nitrate foam may be a nickel nitrate [Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ] layer formed on the nickel metal surface of the nickel foam. The nickel nitrate layer may have an amorphous bulk structure.

Electrochemical treatment using Chrono Potentiometry (CP) can be performed by applying a positive current of 40 to 60 mA/cm ² for 10 seconds to 60 minutes, specifically 10 to 20 minutes. In the above current range, the structure of the hydrophilic coating layer 20 can be formed on the surface of the nickel substrate without destroying the structure of the nickel substrate. If the current range is exceeded, the electrical deposition may not be sufficient or may be excessive and the surface of the nickel substrate on which the hydrophilic coating layer 20 is formed may be chipped, and the nickel substrate may not be uniformly coated and may exist in the form of small particles separated from each other. Thus, an electrochemically unstable product can be obtained.

After the nickel nitrate layer, which is the hydrophilic coating layer 20, is formed, when a negative current in the opposite direction of the positive current and current flow is applied to the working electrode 5, the TMCs dissolved in the electrolyte undergo a reduction and adsorption reaction. As this occurs, an amorphous TMCs catalyst layer 30 may be formed. Specifically, transition metal ions and chalcozene ions dissolved in the electrolyte may be adsorbed onto the hydrophilic coating layer 20 due to a reduction reaction under the negative current. For example, nickel (Ni) ions, which are transition metal ions, exist in the form of Ni ⁴⁺ and Ni ⁶⁺ and are reduced to Ni ²⁺ , and sulfur (S) ions, which are chalcogen ions, exist in the form of S ⁴⁺ and S ⁶⁺ . It exists in the form of S ^{2 -} and may be reduced to form a NiS catalyst layer on the hydrophilic coating layer 20.

In the production of a TMCs catalyst electrode through electrodeposition (S200) according to an embodiment of the present invention, after electrodeposition, the TMCs catalyst electrode may be additionally washed with purified water and dried.

Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail through the following examples and comparative examples. However, the examples and comparative examples are for illustrating the technical idea and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Preparation Example 1: Preparation of electrolyte for electrical deposition

2mM of Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O is used as a transition metal precursor, 2mM of CH ₄ N ₂ S is used as a chalcogen precursor, and 50 ml of purified water is used as a solvent. 2mM ethanolamine is used to adjust the pH of the mixed solution. Stir for 30 minutes to form a uniform mixed solution. Through this, an electrolyte for electrical deposition is formed.

Production example 2

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same process as Preparation Example 1, except that Co(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O was used as a transition metal precursor instead of Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O. .

Production example 3

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same process as Preparation Example 1, except that Fe(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·9H ₂ O was used instead of Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O as the transition metal precursor in Preparation Example 1. .

Production example 4

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, except that Na ₂ MoO ₄ ·2H ₂ O was used as a transition metal precursor instead of Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O.

Production example 5

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, except that Na ₂ WO ₄ ·2H ₂ O was used as a transition metal precursor instead of Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O.

Production example 6

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, except that SeO ₂ was used as a chalcogen precursor instead of CH ₄ N ₂ S.

Production example 7

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same process as Preparation Example 1, except that SeO ₂ was used instead of CH ₄ N ₂ S as the chalcogen precursor in Preparation Example 2.

Production example 8

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same process as Preparation Example 1, except that SeO ₂ was used instead of CH ₄ N ₂ S as the chalcogen precursor in Preparation Example 3.

Production example 9

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same process as Preparation Example 1, except that SeO ₂ was used instead of CH ₄ N ₂ S as the chalcogen precursor in Preparation Example 4.

Production example 10

An electrolyte for electrical deposition was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, except that SeO ₂ was used instead of CH ₄ N ₂ S as the chalcogen precursor in Preparation Example 5.

Production example 11

2mM of Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O is used as a transition metal precursor, 1mM of SeO ₂ is used as a chalcogen precursor, and 50 ml of purified water is used as a solvent. 2mM ethanolamine was used to adjust the pH of the mixed solution. It was stirred for 30 minutes to form a uniform mixed solution. 1mM CH ₄ N ₂ S was added to the obtained uniform mixed solution and stirred for another 30 minutes. Through this, an electrolyte for electrical deposition is formed.

Example 1: Preparation of catalyst electrode through electrochemical treatment of nickel foam using electrolyte solution

To remove the oxidized surface of nickel foam (Ni foam) used as an electrically conductive substrate, it was washed in the order of hydrochloric acid, distilled water, and ethanol, and then dried in an oven. The dried nickel foam was cut into pieces of 2X2 cm ² and used as the working electrode of the two-electrode system. Meanwhile, the nickel foam that underwent the same process as above was used as a counter electrode in the two-electrode system.

The electrolyte in which the TMCs prepared in Preparation Example 1 were dissolved was introduced as the electrolyte of the two-electrode system. Afterwards, a positive current of 50 mA/cm ² was applied to the working electrode for 15 minutes using chrono potentiometry.

When the reaction time was over, a negative current of -50 mA/cm ² was applied to the working electrode for 15 minutes using chrono potentiometry.

When the reaction time was completed, the electrode on which the TMCs layer was deposited on the nickel foam was washed with purified water and dried.

Example 2

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 2 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 3

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 3 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 4

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 4 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 5

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 5 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 6

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 6 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 7

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 7 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 8

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Preparation Example 8 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 9

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 9 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Example 10

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 10 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Comparative Example 1

A catalyst electrode was manufactured in the same process as Example 1, except that Preparation Example 11 was used instead of Preparation Example 1 as the electrolyte in which TMCs were dissolved.

Figure 4 is an XPS spectrum of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 4, transition metals have 2p _1/2 , 2p _3/2 , 3d _3/2 , 3d _5/2 , 4f _5/2 4f _7/2 , and 5p _3/2 spectra showing oxidation numbers higher than 0. may appear in a mixed state. The 2p _1/2 and 2p _3/2 appear in Co, Fe and Ni, 3d _3/2 and 3d _5/2 can appear in Mo as 4f _5/2 , 4f _7/2 and 5p _3/2 in W, respectively. Chalcogen may show a mixture of 2p _1/2 , 2p _3/2 , 3d _3/2 , and 3d _5/2 spectra indicating oxidation numbers lower than 0. The 2p _1/2 and 2p _3/2 are in S, 3d _3/2 and 3d _5/2 can each appear in Se. The spectra may be binding energies indicating that the transition metal and chalcogen exist on the surface of the nickel foam and are combined in the form of TMCs.

Figure 5 is an SEM and EDS image of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the scale bar is 50㎛, and it can be seen that the transition metal and chalcogen are applied on the surface of the nickel foam.

Evaluation Example 1: Hydrogen Evolution Reactivity (HER) Evaluation

A half cell is fabricated using the TMCs catalyst electrode prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention, and HER is evaluated.

Figure 6 is a graph evaluating the HER performance of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the HER performance of the TMCs catalyst electrode manufactured in Examples 1 to 10 by combining any one of the transition metals Co, Fe, Mo, Ni, and W and any one of the chalcogens S and Se is shown. evaluated.

In water electrolysis, the performance of HER is determined by the overpotential, and the overpotential required to obtain an arbitrary current density value can be determined by the difference between the theoretical HER reaction potential of 0V and the potential value at a specific current density value. If the overvoltage value required to obtain a certain current density value is high, the HER performance may be judged to be relatively low. At this time, commercially available Pt/C electrodes can be used to compare HER performance.

Evaluation Example 2: Oxygen Evolution Reactivity (OER) Evaluation

A half cell is fabricated using the TMCs catalyst electrode manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention, and OER is evaluated.

Figure 7 is a graph evaluating the OER performance of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the HER performance of the TMCs catalyst electrode manufactured in Examples 1 to 10 by combining any one of the transition metals Co, Fe, Mo, Ni, and W and any one of the chalcogens S and Se is shown. evaluated.

In water electrolysis, the performance of OER is determined by the overpotential, like the performance of the HER, and the overpotential required to obtain an arbitrary density value is the difference between the theoretical OER reaction potential of 1.23V and the potential value at a specific current density value. It is decided. If the overvoltage value required to obtain an arbitrary current density value is high, the OER performance can be judged to be relatively low. At this time, a commercially available IrO ₂ electrode can be used to compare the performance of the OER.

Figure 8 is a graph summarizing the HER performance and OER performance of TMCs catalyst electrodes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the HER and OER performance of the TMCs catalyst electrodes of Examples 1 to 10 evaluated in the graphs of FIGS. 6 and 7 are disclosed, and the current densities of 10, 50, and 100 mA/cm ² in the HER and OER reactions are disclosed. The overpotentials required to obtain are indicated in orange, yellow, and green, respectively. As a comparative example of the catalyst electrode, the HER performance of Pt/C and the OER performance of IrO ₂ were shown together.

Referring to Figures 6 to 8, it can be seen that the TMCs catalyst electrode manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention shows the following characteristics and trends. First, as a result of comparing the HER performance of the TMCs catalyst electrodes, all showed inferior performance compared to the Pt/C electrode as a comparative example, and when the same transition metal was used, the electrode using S as a chalcogen element showed better HER performance than the electrode using Se. You can see that it is visible. In particular, the electrode with the best HER performance was found to be the NiS electrode, and it can be seen that as the potential corresponding to the higher current density increases, the electrode shows performance comparable to that of Pt/C, a comparative example.

Meanwhile, the OER performance of the catalyst electrodes was superior to the IrO ₂ electrode in the comparative example, except for the electrode using Mo. In particular, the electrode using Se as a chalcogen element showed better OER performance than the electrode using S. You can. Additionally, this trend appeared significantly when Ni was used. In particular, the FeSe electrode, which shows the best OER performance, shows the poorest performance in HER performance, making it difficult to use as a multifunctional catalyst.

Evaluation Example 3: Evaluation of composition control capability of electrodeposition method

Half cells were manufactured using the NiS electrode, NiSe electrode, and NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode manufactured according to Comparative Example 1 among the TMCs catalyst electrodes manufactured according to an example of the present invention, and HER and OER performance were evaluated.

Figure 9 is a graph evaluating the HER performance and OER performance of a TMCs catalyst electrode with controlled composition according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to (a) of FIG. 9, the polarization curve by the NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode in the HER potential region was biased in a negative direction compared to that of NiS, but was biased in a positive direction compared to that by NiSe. The pattern of the polarization curve shows that at any potential below 0V, the HER performance of the NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode is always inferior to NiS but superior to NiSe.

Referring to Figure 9 (b), the polarization curve by the NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode in the OER potential region is biased in a more negative direction than that by NiS, as in the HER potential region, but is more positive than that by NiSe. It can be seen that it is biased toward . In addition, it can be seen from the above polarization curve that the performance of the NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode is always inferior to NiSe and superior to NiS at any potential above 1.23 V.

Referring to Figure 9, it can be seen that the HER performance and OER performance of the electro-deposited NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode are between the performance of the NiS electrode and the performance of the NiSe electrode. When controlling the composition of the material for the purpose of controlling the catalytic activity of the TMCs constituting the catalyst layer of the electrode, it may be difficult to control complex variables during a long and complicated synthesis process and it may be difficult to obtain high reproducibility. Therefore, the results of Evaluation Example 3 using Comparative Example 1 may be meaningful in that the composition of the catalyst electrode manufactured through the above example was controlled with high accuracy.

Evaluation Example 4: Stability evaluation of electrodeposited catalyst electrode

A half-cell was manufactured using the NiS electrode, NiSe electrode, and NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode manufactured according to Comparative Example 1 among the catalyst electrodes manufactured according to an example of the present invention, and HER and OER stability were evaluated.

Figure 10 is a graph evaluating the catalytic stability of a TMCs catalyst electrode with controlled composition according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 9, the NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode, together with the NiS electrode and NiSe electrode, maintains the catalytic action for 24 hours at a negative current (a) of -50 mA/cm ² and a positive current (b) of 50 mA/cm ² The magnitude of the required overpotential was measured. In general, in the case of measuring catalytic stability using the galvanostatic method, the magnitude of the required overpotential may increase due to performance degradation caused by deformation of the catalyst or separation from the electrode. However, no notable increase in overpotential was observed for any of the three electrodes measured.

Afterwards, the HER performance (c) and OER performance (d) of the three electrodes were measured to compare the catalytic activities before and after the constant current experiment. The polarization curve before the constant current experiment was shown as a translucent line, and the polarization curve after the constant current experiment was shown as a bubble shape. The NiS _0.5 Se _0.5 electrode did not show significant performance degradation in HER and OER, similar to the NiS electrode and NiSe electrode.

From Evaluation Example 4, it can be seen that the tendency of the catalytic activity of the electrodes is maintained even after the stability test is completed. In general, modifications of TMCs catalysts may result from changes in composition during continuous catalysis. Therefore, it can be seen from Evaluation Example 4 that the composition of the catalyst electrode manufactured through the above example maintains stability, showing high catalytic stability.

Evaluation Example 5: Evaluation of both cell performance and stability

Both batteries were constructed using NiS electrodes and FeSe electrodes, which have the best HER performance and OER performance among the catalyst electrodes manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention, and water electrolysis performance and stability were evaluated.

Figure 11 is a graph evaluating the performance and stability of both cells of the TMCs catalyst electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 11(a), the water electrolysis performance of both cells is shown, with the NiS electrode, which showed the best HER performance, as the cathode, and the FeSe electrode, which showed the best OER performance, as the anode. The polarization curves of both batteries constructed above are biased in the negative direction compared to the polarization curves of both batteries based on noble metal catalysts shown together. The aspect of the polarization curve shows that at any potential of 1.23 V or higher, the performance of the NiS∥ both cell is always superior to that of the Pt/C∥ ₂ cell used as a comparative example.

Referring to Figure 11 (b), the water electrolysis performance before and after the constant current experiment using both NiS∥ cells and Pt/C∥ ₂ cells is shown. At this time, the performance before the constant current test was shown as a translucent line, and the performance after the constant current test was shown as a bubble shape. While the NiS∥ both batteries showed almost no change in water electrolysis performance before and after the constant current test, the Pt/C∥rO ₂ both batteries showed a rapid decline in performance as the required overpotential value increased significantly after the constant current test. there is. From Evaluation Example 5 above, it can be confirmed that the NiS∥ both battery not only has superior water electrolysis performance than the noble metal-based Pt/ _C∥2 both battery, but also has high stability.

From the results of the above evaluation examples, it can be seen that the TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis according to one embodiment shows high performance due to increased catalytic activity due to the TMCs layer used as the catalyst layer. In addition, both HER performance and OER performance are excellent, so it can have high stability when used as a reduction electrode and an oxidation electrode in a water electrolysis system.

In addition, the TMCs catalyst electrode manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention can increase the area of the electrode by using an electrodeposition method using an electrolyte, and when using the electrodeposition method, the composition can be easily controlled by controlling the positive and negative currents. , both HER performance and OER performance are excellent, so it can be practically applied to water electrolysis systems.

In the above, preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings and examples, but this is merely illustrative, and various modifications and other equivalent embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art. You will be able to understand. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Container(1)
Electrolyte(3)
Working electrode (5)
Counter electrode (7)
Electrically conductive substrate (10)
Hydrophilic coating layer (20)
TMCs catalyst layer (30)
Catalyst electrode (100)

Claims (13)

Preparing an electrolyte for electrical deposition in which a transition metal precursor and a chalcogen precursor are dispersed;
It includes the step of performing electrical deposition by introducing the electrolyte for electrical deposition into a two-electrode system using an electrically conductive substrate as a working electrode and a counter electrode to produce a TMCs (Transition Metal Chalcogenides) catalyst electrode,
The electrical deposition is characterized in that a positive current supplied from a power source flows in the direction of the working electrode for a certain period of time, and then a negative current in which the mutual flow of the positive current and the current flows in the opposite direction is applied for a certain period of time. Manufacturing method of multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis. According to clause 1,
Between the step of preparing the electrolyte for electrical deposition and the step of performing the electrical deposition to manufacture the TMCs catalyst electrode, in order to remove the oxidized surface of the electrically conductive substrate, it is washed in the order of hydrochloric acid, distilled water, and ethanol, and then placed in an oven. A method of manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, characterized in that it additionally includes a pretreatment process of drying. According to clause 1,
A method of manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, wherein when the positive current is applied for a certain period of time, a hydrophilic coating layer is formed on the electrically conductive substrate. According to clause 3,
A method of manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, wherein when the negative current is applied for a certain period of time, a TMCs catalyst layer is formed on the hydrophilic coating layer. According to clause 1,
A method of manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis where the time for applying the positive and negative currents is 10 to 20 minutes. According to clause 1,
The positive current value is 40 mA/cm ² to 60 mA/cm ^2. Method for manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis. According to clause 1,
A method of manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis wherein the value of the negative current is 40 mA/cm ² to 60 mA/cm ² . According to clause 1,
The transition metal precursor is Co(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O, Fe(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·9H ₂ O, Na ₂ MoO ₄ ·2H ₂ O, Ni(NO ₃ ) ₂ ·6H ₂ O and Na ₂ WO. Method for manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, which is either ₄ ·2H ₂ O. According to clause 1,
A method for manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, characterized in that the transition metal precursor is added at a concentration of 0.01mM to 0.05mM compared to the electrolyte for electrodeposition. According to clause 1,
The chalcogen precursor is any one of CH ₄ N ₂ S and SeO _2. Method for producing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis. According to clause 1,
A method for producing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, characterized in that the chalcogen precursor is added at a concentration of 0.01mM to 0.05mM compared to the electrolyte for electrical deposition. According to clause 1,
A method of manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, wherein the electrolyte for electrical deposition further includes a pH regulator. According to clause 12,
A method of manufacturing a multi-functional TMCs catalyst electrode for water electrolysis, wherein the pH adjuster is ethanol amine.