Controlled nanostructures based on metal hidroxides and noble metals applied to electrocatalytic of oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The present project proposes the synthesis of hybrid nanostructures composed of Ni(OH)2 and Au, with well defined and controlled size, shape and composition. Specifically, we are interested in the relationship between the reactive intermediates of the oxidation of H2O (OH, O and OOH) with the different surfaces of the electrocatalysts, with or without the use of visible light as a light source. The first focus of the work will be the synthesis of nanoparticles, nanowires and nanosheets of Ni(OH)2 through the hydrothermal method. Such nanostructures will be used as support for the deposition of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with controlled and well defined sizes. Subsequent to the characterization, the synthesized nanomaterials will be used as electroactive materials for the application in plastron electrocatalysis of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). Such a reaction is of great importance today because of the implementation of alternative energy technologies to fossil fuels. In this context, we are interested in evaluating the influence that the surface plasmon resonance of the Au NPs exerts on the intrinsic Ni(OH)2 activity for the oxygen detachment. In this way, the physical and chemical aspects of nanostructures should be controlled by optimizing the synthesis routes so that a systematic investigation can be carried out. (AU)