Exploring the Role of the Connection Length of Screen-Printed Electrodes towards the Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Phatsawit Wuamprakhon,
Alejandro Garcia-Miranda Ferrari,
Robert D. Crapnell,
Jessica L. Pimlott,
Samuel J. Rowley-Neale,
Trevor J. Davies,
Montree Sawangphruk,
Craig E. Banks
Affiliations
Phatsawit Wuamprakhon
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Alejandro Garcia-Miranda Ferrari
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Robert D. Crapnell
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Jessica L. Pimlott
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Samuel J. Rowley-Neale
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Trevor J. Davies
INEOS Electrochemical Solutions, Bankes Lane Office, Bankes Lane, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 4JE, UK
Montree Sawangphruk
Centre of Excellence for Energy Storage Technology (CEST), Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Rayong 21210, Thailand
Craig E. Banks
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
Zero-emission hydrogen and oxygen production are critical for the UK to reach net-zero greenhouse gasses by 2050. Electrochemical techniques such as water splitting (electrolysis) coupled with renewables energy can provide a unique approach to achieving zero emissions. Many studies exploring electrocatalysts need to “electrically wire” to their material to measure their performance, which usually involves immobilization upon a solid electrode. We demonstrate that significant differences in the calculated onset potential for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can be observed when using screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) of differing connection lengths which are immobilized with a range of electrocatalysts. This can lead to false improvements in the reported performance of different electrocatalysts and poor comparisons between the literature. Through the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, uncompensated ohmic resistance can be overcome providing more accurate Tafel analysis.
