Bi-Doped NiCo2O4 Catalyst for Electrocatalysis Glucose Oxidation Accompanied Hydrogen Generation.

The slow dynamics of oxygen evolution reaction and the use of the proton exchange membrane have been troubling the hydrogen production from electrolytic water splitting. Reducing the electrolytic voltage and avoiding the utilization of proton exchange membranes are crucial targets for electrolytic hydrogen evolution. Bi-doped NiCo₂O₄ catalyst is prepared and applied in electrocatalysis glucose oxidation coupled hydrogen generation. Structural characterizations confirm the successful preparation of NiCo₂O₄ and the existence of Bi. Bi leads to the electrons transfer from Co to Ni, increasing the content of Co³⁺, and lowers the oxidation potential of Co. Electrochemical experiments indicate that NiCo₂O₄-Bi has good electrocatalytic activity and stability toward electrochemical glucose oxidation, with a potential of 1.13 V vs RHE at 10 mA cm^-2 current density. The asymmetric electrolysis of two electrodes requires just 1.26 V to achieve a 10 mA cm^-2 current density. The design of NiCo₂O₄-Bi is an exploration for electrocatalytic glucose oxidation coupled hydrogen production with low voltage and no proton exchange membrane.