Graphite Felt as an Innovative Electrode Material for Alkaline Water Electrolysis and Zinc–Air Batteries

• Published in: Batteries (Basel) Vol. 10; no. 2; p. 49
• Main Authors: Lee, Yejin, Park, Seung-hee, Ahn, Sung Hoon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Acids; alkaline water electrolysis; Analysis; Batteries; Carbon fibers; Catalytic activity; Cathodes; Chemical reactions; Design and construction; Efficiency; Electrical conductivity; Electrode materials; Electrode polarization; electrodeposition; Electrodes; Electrolysis; Electrolytes; Electrons; electroplating; Energy conversion; Energy storage; Graphite; graphite felt; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Low conductivity; Materials; Metal air batteries; Nickel; Plating; Porous materials; Power supply; Production methods; R&D; Redox reactions; Research & development; Storage systems; Substrates; Transition metals; Zinc; Zinc compounds; Zinc-oxygen batteries; zinc–air batteries; South Korea; Japan
• ISSN: 2313-0105; 2313-0105
• DOI: 10.3390/batteries10020049

Recent advancements in energy conversion and storage systems have placed a spotlight on the role of multi-functional electrodes employing conductive substrates. These substrates, however, often face obstacles due to intricate and expensive production methods, as well as limitations in thickness. This research introduces a novel, economical approach using graphite felt as a versatile electrode. A method to enhance the typically low conductivity of graphite felt was devised, incorporating interfacial chemical tuning and the electrodeposition of a highly conductive nickel layer. This technique facilitates the integration of diverse transition metal-based active sites, aiming to refine the catalytic activity for specific electrochemical reactions. A key finding is that a combination of a nickel-rich cathode and an iron-rich anode can effectively optimize alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production at the ampere scale. Furthermore, the addition of sulfur improves the bi-functional oxygen-related redox reactions, rendering it ideal for air cathodes in solid-state zinc–air batteries. The assembled battery exhibits impressive performance, including a peak power density of 62.9 mW cm−2, a minimal voltage gap in discharge–charge polarization, and a lifecycle surpassing 70 h. This advancement in electrode technology signifies a significant leap in energy storage and conversion, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for future energy systems.