Sadeem AlOtaibi

Energy Transition Specialization · Cohort 2026

Influence of Metal Precursor Chemistry and Calcination on NiFe-Based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the rate-limiting half-reaction in alkaline water electrolysis and plays a crucial role in the efficiency of green hydrogen production. The activity and durability of NiFe-based OER electrocatalysts are strongly influenced by their synthesis conditions, particularly the choice of metal precursor salts and post-synthesis thermal treatment. This project aims to systematically investigate how different nickel and iron precursors (e.g. acetylacetonate and nitrate salts), solvents (ethanol and water), and calcination versus non-calcination routes affect the physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance of NiFe-based catalysts. The synthesized catalysts are evaluated through electrode fabrication and electrochemical characterization in alkaline electrolyte, including linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and stability testing. This study provides insight into the effects of precursor chemistry, solvent, and thermal treatment on NiFe-based catalysts for OER.

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