Hydrogels for Bubble-Repellent Surfaces and Efficient Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Electrochemical gas-evolution reactions are interesting because they can sustainably produce gaseous chemicals on dynamic solid-liquid-gas interfaces. Examples include hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. As-generated gas bubbles are adsorbed and grown on the electrode surface, impede efficient mass transport, and lower the overall efficiency. The repeated bubble adsorption and desorption cycles also expedite the degradation of electrodes. Thus, surface chemistry can play a critical role in gas-evolution reactions by facilitating the removal of adsorbed gas bubbles. In this talk, I will summarize recent studies on the engineering of electrode wettability for improving the performance of gas-evolution reactions. Also, I will share our recent progress on the development of extremely bubble-repellent electrodes using porous hydrogels for enhanced hydrogen evolution reactions.