Porous aluminum electrodes with 3D channels and zig-zag edges for efficient hydrogen evolutionElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental, materials, characterization, preparation of porous aluminum electrodes, electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, supplementary notes (1-6), Fig. S1-S10, and Tables S1 and S2. See DOI: 10.1039/c9cc01667h

• Main Authors: Periasamy, Arun Prakash, Sriram, Pavithra, Chen, Yu-Wen, Wu, Chien-Wei, Yen, Ta-Jen, Chang, Huan-Tsung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 07.05.2019
• ISSN: 1359-7345; 1364-548X
• DOI: 10.1039/c9cc01667h

An eco-friendly electrochemical approach, including base and acid treatments, and anodization, has been developed for preparation of defect-rich porous aluminum electrodes for efficient hydrogen evolution. A small Tafel slope value of 43 mV dec −1 reveals improved reaction kinetics through the micropores, 3D channels, and zig-zag edges of the aluminum electrode. It exhibits an onset potential of 460 mV and an overpotential of 580 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm −2 due to the porous and edge structures that enhance the charge transfer and mass transport. A porous aluminum electrode formed through base and acid treatments, and anodization exhibits improved electro- and photo-electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen production.