In-situ constructing NiO nanoplatelets network on La0.75Sr0.25Mn0.5Cr0.5O3-δ electrode with enhanced steam electrolysis

NiO nanoplatelets network has been successfully in-situ constructed on La0.75Sr0.25Mn0.5-Cr0.5O3-delta, (LSCM) electrode through a hydrothermal process for enhancing steam electrolysis performance of the LSCM electrode. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) observation indicates that the nanoplatelets with uniform size are self-assembled on the LSCM substrate to form honeycomb-like network. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization confirms the phase structure of the nanoplatelets network as cubic NiO. The LSCM electrode modified with NiO nanoplatelets exhibits higher electrical conductivity under reducing atmosphere and better electrochemical performances compared with the pristine LSCM. The current efficiencies are enhanced by about 50% compared with the cells based on LSCM cathode for steam electrolysis by exposing cathode to 5% H2O/5% H-2/Ar and 5% H2O/Ar, respectively. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.