Preparation of green hydrogen catalyst with multi-objective optimization

Abstract

Catalyst development is an important process because it affects all dynamics of systems. Optimum values cannot be found easily while catalyst preparation. Input Variable Effect on Responses (IVER) is a very new multi-objective optimization method. It has been developed to eliminate the disadvantages of the Response Surface Method (RSM). The electrolysis of water is known as green hydrogen production and prevents environmental pollution. Studies have focused on the development of effective anodic and cathodic catalysts to reduce the production cost, which is the biggest handicap of this method. In this study, MnO2 swept by nickel is electrochemically deposited on the graphite-supported material to develop an efficient cathode material. Then, MoO2 and Pt electrochemical deposition are carried out, respectively. The optimal electrochemical deposition current, temperature, and time values for the suspended solution concentration are determined using the IVER optimization method. Consequently, the determined optimal (most efficient) suspended solution concentration for MnO2 was 52 ppm, and the most effective deposition condition for Ni is obtained at 28°C, 96 mA, and 55 s. The electrochemical analyzes of the obtained catalysts are carried out by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry methods. The surface characterizations of these catalysts are carried out using scanning electron microscope-energy-disperse X-ray, XPS, Raman and X-ray diffractometers techniques.