Hierarchically-structured Ti/TiO2 electrode for hydrogen evolution synthesized via 3D printing and anodization

Abstract

Hierarchically-structured, electro-catalysts consisting of a titanium core with controlled macro-porosity and a thin titania surface-layer with controlled nano-porosity were synthesized via combination of additive manufacturing and in-situ anodization. The electrodes were tested for hydrogen evolution reaction and depicted competitive electro-catalytic activities, with Tafel slopes between 40 and 56 mV dec-1. The electrodes also depicted competitive onset and over potentials when compared with other electrode alternatives. The synthesis approach for the electro-catalysts reported in this work is being extended to other metal/metal-oxide pairs and applications.