Stability of LaNiO3 gas diffusion oxygen electrodes

In this work LaNiO3 perovskite-type oxide, prepared by a self-combustion method, was optimized for activity and stability as an anode material for water electrolysis. A full electrochemical study was conducted in order to kinetically characterize electrodes prepared using carbon paper as a base for porous gas-diffusion electrodes in alkaline media, regarding water oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions at room temperature. An electrode stability study was performed by potential cycling and at constant current density, using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to check on stability after cycling with complementary scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) analysis of fresh and degraded electrodes. Comparison was made using nickel foam as a support for LaNiO3 deposition. Carbon instability in the potential region of interest contrasted with the lower contact resistance between the oxide and support of the Ni foam. Higher metal oxide loadings and dimensional stability were also possible