DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing bifunctional electrodes. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to bifunctional electrodes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bifunctional electrodes are configured to activate two separate electrochemical reactions, namely oxygen evolution reaction (OER) or hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an electrolytic medium, i.e., to cause electrolyte-splitting or formation of water or hydroxide ions, respectively, when in use. Such bifunctional electrodes may be utilized in metal-air batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers. Using a single material that can catalyze both reactions reduces the need for multiple catalysts, which can lower material costs and simplify the overall system design. Typically, conventional bifunctional electrodes comprise a substrate coated with a suitable catalyst. To facilitate the use of renewable energy sources for hydrogen production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, the catalysts should be both efficient and durable. However, the conventional bifunctional electrodes have low catalytic efficiency, energy efficiency, operational stability and durability. Repeated cycling and the evolution of gas bubbles (H2 and O2) often causes mechanical stress and structural changes in the catalyst material, leading to its deterioration. In this regard, the conventional bifunctional electrodes show variation in the water splitting activity and have a rapid degradation rate. Furthermore, the conventional bifunctional electrodes exhibit low synergistic effect of activating both OER and HER in the electrolytes due to uneven distribution of activated sites, and lattice strain formed during manufacturing of the conventional bifunctional electrodes by coating the catalytic material on the substrate.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode with enhanced catalytic activity and stability for improved hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction in an electrolytic medium. The aim of the present disclosure is achieved by method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode as defined in the drawings and the embodiments to which reference is made to. Advantageous features are set out in the description.
A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing an energy efficient bifunctional electrode with improved catalytic activity and stability. Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode with synergistic effect for improved hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, when in use. Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode comprising a substrate and one or more catalyst deposited on a surface of the substrate, wherein at least one interlayer is arranged between the substrate and the one or more catalyst, to provide improved adhesion between the substrate and the catalyst. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art.
In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode, the bifunctional electrode comprising a substrate, at least one catalyst deposited on the surface of the substrate, and at least one adhesion material layered between the substrate and the at least one catalyst, the method comprising:
pre-treating the substrate in a first solution for a first time period and subsequently in a second solution for a second time period; and
coating the pretreated substrate with the at least one adhesion material and the at least one catalyst, sequentially, wherein the step of coating the substrate comprising:
immersing the pretreated substrate in a third solution comprising the at least one adhesion material and a solvent; and simultaneously applying a first current to the third solution, while the pretreated substrate is still immersed therein, for a third time period; and
dipping the at least one adhesion material-coated substrate in a fourth solution comprising the at least one catalyst, and simultaneously applying a second current to the fourth solution, for a fourth time period, to deposit the at least one catalyst on the at least one adhesion material-coated substrate, thereby manufacturing the bifunctional electrode.
The aforementioned method promotes adhesion between the at least one catalyst and the substrate by introducing the at least one adhesion material therebetween. The at least one adhesion material promotes formation of metallic bond and thereby allows effective and uniform deposition of at least one catalyst on the substrate. Thus, the durability and operational efficiency of the manufactured bifunctional electrode is enhanced.
In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a bifunctional electrode, the bifunctional electrode comprising:
a substrate;
at least one catalyst deposited on the surface of the substrate; and
at least one adhesion material layered between the substrate and the at least one catalyst,
wherein the bifunctional electrode is configured to perform electrolysis of an alkaline electrolyte.
The aforementioned bifunctional electrode is capable of promoting electrochemical reactions simultaneously at an electrode-electrolyte interface. Therefore, enhancing operational efficiency when in use such as in an electrolyser or a fuel cell. Moreover, the aforementioned bifunctional electrode exhibits durability and operational stability. Furthermore, the aforementioned bifunctional electrode exhibits improved catalytic activity in terms of electrolysis of an electrolyte.
Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and provide an energy efficient bifunctional electrode with improved catalytic activity.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart depicting steps of a method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a bifunctional electrode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate graphical representations of an electrolysis activity performed by a bifunctional electrode in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.
Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a flowchart 100 depicting steps of a method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein, the bifunctional electrode comprises a substrate, at least one catalyst deposited on the surface of the substrate, and at least one adhesion material layered between the substrate and the at least one catalyst. At step 102, the substrate is pretreated in a first solution for a first time period and subsequently in a second solution for a second time period. At step 104, the pretreated substrate is coated with the at least one adhesion material. In this regard, the pretreated substrate is immersed in a third solution comprising the at least one adhesion material and a solvent; and a first current is simultaneously applied to the third solution, while the pretreated substrate is still immersed therein, for a third time period. At step 106, the at least one adhesion material-coated substrate is dipped in the fourth solution, and a second current is simultaneously applied to the fourth solution, for a fourth time period, to deposit the at least one catalyst on the at least one adhesion material-coated substrate, thereby manufacturing the bifunctional electrode.
Throughout the disclosure, the term "bifunctional electrode" refers to an electrode which can promote at least two different electrochemical reactions when in use, in an electrolytic environment. It may be appreciated that the term "electrochemical reactions" as used herein may refer to one of: hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Throughout the disclosure, the term "substrate" refers to a base material which is suitable for electrode manufacturing. Optionally, the substrate is fabricated from a material selected from: a ferrous element, a non-ferrous element, an alloy of metals, and wherein the alloy of metals is selected from at least one of: nickel, stainless steel. Optionally, the substrate is fabricated from a material selected from: stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys, nickel-iron alloys. Optionally, preferably the substrate is fabricated from stainless steel. The substrate is selected based on electrical and thermal conductivity, absorbability, mechanical flexibility, stability, and durability. The technical effect is improved performance and voltage-current characteristics when used as the electrode in a harsh electrolytic environment, preferably an alkaline environment such as performing electrolysis.
Throughout the disclosure, the term "catalyst" as used herein refers to a material capable of enhancing efficiency of electrochemical reactions occurring at an electrode-electrolyte interface by increasing reaction rates. Optionally, the at least one catalyst promotes at least one of: a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) reaction. Optionally, preferably, the at least one catalyst used herein is selected based on a property of enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) reaction. The technical effect is improved catalytic activity in the electrolyte.
The term "hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)" refers to an electrochemical process by which hydrogen ions (protons) are reduced to hydrogen gas at the bifunctional electrode during electrolysis of an electrolytic medium or electrolyte. Herein, the catalyst facilitates the HER by promoting the reduction of water to produce hydrogen gas.
The term "oxygen evolution reaction (OER)" refers to an electrochemical process where oxygen gas (O2) is produced at the bifunctional electrode in the electrolytic medium or electrolyte. Herein, the catalyst facilitates the OER by lowering the activation energy required for the oxidation of water, thus producing oxygen gas more efficiently.
Throughout the disclosure, the term "adhesion material" refers to a material with high affinity for forming metallic bond between two different layers of materials, namely, the substrate and the at least one catalyst. The at least one adhesion material allows easy and effective deposition of the at least one catalyst on the surface of the substrate. Optionally, the at least one adhesion material is selected from at least one of: nickel, copper, gold, silver, zincate, palladium, tin, and so on. It may be appreciated that the at least one adhesion material is preferably nickel. Optionally, the at least one adhesion material forms metallic bond with the substrate and the at least one catalyst. The selection of the at least one adhesion material is based on a property of forming strong metallic bond with each of the substrate and the at least one catalyst.
Referring to step 102, the term "pretreatment" as used herein refers to at least one of a cleaning activity, and/or a surface restructuring activity. The term cleaning refers to removal of contaminants on a surface of the substrate. The contaminants may refer to organic contaminants (for example, oil, dust, dirt, and other biological contaminants) and/or inorganic contaminants (for example, sulphides, oxides, and so on). Cleaning allows the surface of the substrate to be exposed for efficient further processing, as well as for reducing potential defects during manufacturing of the bifunctional electrode. The term "surface restructuring" refers to modifying the surface of the substrate to increase an overall surface area of the substrate. Surface restructuring allows enhancing the overall surface area of the substrate, and thereby promoting even coating of the at least one adhesion material and the at least one catalyst thereon. In this regard, the substrate is pretreated with the first solution for the first time period and subsequently in the second solution for the second time period. The first solution may be a polar solvent with both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (oil-attracting) properties which allows dissolution of a wide range of organic or inorganic contaminations off the surface of the substrate. Optionally, the first solution may be isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Optionally, the first time period ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, preferably 10 minutes In this regard, the pretreatment of the substrate in the first solution is performed for the first time period which may range from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13 or 14 minutes up to 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 minutes. However, the first time period is preferably 10 minutes for optimum pretreatment of the surface of the substrate. The technical effect is efficient dissolution of organic and inorganic contaminations on the surface of the substrate which may be subjected to external environment degrading its quality to adhere to any further deposition made thereon.
The second solution may be an acidic solution useful for surface etching, surface restructuring, as well as for further removal of any contamination left on the surface. The second solution may be a solution which is capable of interacting with the surface of the substrate to dissolve mineral scales and deposits that may have formed on the surface of the substrate, and to create activated sites on the surface of the substrate for effective coating of the at least one adhesion material and the at least one catalyst by enhanced mechanical interlocking between the substrate and any applied coatings of the at least one adhesion material and the at least one catalyst. Optionally, the second solution is at least one of: hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulphuric acid (H2SO4), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4), phosphoric acid (H3PO4) or a composite thereof, such as Tri acid (HCl+H2SO4+H2PO4). Optionally, the second time period ranges from 1 to 5 minutes, preferably 2 minutes. The second time period may range from 1, 2, 3, or 4 minutes up to 2, 3, 4 or 5 minutes. Notably, the second time period may be preferably 2 minutes, for adequate surface restructuring and cleaning.
Referring to step 104, after pretreatment, the pretreated substrate is subjected to immersion in the third solution comprising the at least one adhesion material dissolved in the solvent. Optionally, the solvent in the third solution is selected from: hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, or any such suitable material. The solvent is selected based on a property of dissolution of the at least one adhesion material in a suitable form for electrodeposition. The substrate is subjected to deposition of the at least one adhesion material on the surface thereof, when the first current is simultaneously applied to the third solution. The application of the first current promotes ion exchange amongst the at least one adhesion material in the third solution and the substrate at the activated sites on the surface thereof. Thus, a thin layer of the at least one adhesion material is formed on the surface of the substrate. It may be appreciated that, optionally, the at least one adhesion material may be nickel. Nickel is capable of strengthening metallic bond in between the substrate and the at least one catalyst, due to its unique electron configuration. Notably, the substrate such as stainless-steel exhibit inertness/passivation and thus decreasing effectiveness of deposition of the at least one catalyst thereon directly. Therefore, the at least one adhesion material enables effective deposition of the at least one catalyst on the substrate by enhancing metallic bond formation therebetween. The adhesion layer can fill in minor surface imperfections and create a more uniform base for further plating. The technical effect is better adhesion between the substrate and the at least one catalyst. The term "simultaneously" as used herein refers to a small-time difference, typically ranging between 0 milliseconds to 1 millisecond, between immersing the pretreated substrate in the third solution and applying the first current to the third solution.
Herein, the "third time period" refers to the duration of time during which the substrate is subjected to immersion in the third solution as well as application of the first current thereto, for coating the pretreated substrate with the at least one adhesion material. It may be appreciated that the third time period may be varied depending on various factors, including a desired thickness of the at least one adhesion material, a density of the first current, a composition of the third solution, and a type of the substrate being plated. Optionally, the third time period ranges from 0.5 to 5 minutes, preferably 2 to 4 minutes. The third time period may range from 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 or 4.5 minutes up to 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 minutes, preferably range from 2 or 3 minutes up to 3, or 4 minutes, for forming a desired layer of the at least one adhesion on the surface of the substrate. Optionally, the first current ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 ampere per squared decimetre (ASD), preferably 2 ASD. The first current may range from 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.2, 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 ASD up to 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 or 2.5 ASD. It may be appreciated that, for achieving a desired level of deposition of the at least one adhesion material on the surface of the substrate the first current value may be preferably, 2 ASD. For example, when the at least one adhesion material is nickel, which is to be deposited on the substrate in a thin layer, namely nickel strike, then the third time period (which is a plating time for the adhesion material layer to be deposited on the substrate) may be 0.5 minutes (i.e., 30 seconds).
Referring to step 106, the fourth solution refers to a solution containing the at least one catalyst. The coated substrate (i.e., the substrate coated with the at least one adhesion material or the at least one adhesion material-coated substrate) is dipped/submerged in the fourth solution and the second current is simultaneously applied to the fourth solution in order to deposit the at least one catalyst on the substrate. The coated substrate shows excellent affinity for further coating or deposition of the at least one catalyst, due to enhanced metallic bond formation resulting from presence of the at least one adhesion material between the substrate and the at least one catalyst. Notably, such enhanced metallic bond formation promotes deposition of the at least one catalyst (present in ionic form in the fourth solution) evenly and uniformly on the substrate, thereby manufacturing the bifunctional electrode. Application of the second current promotes the deposition of the at least one catalyst on the substrate by accelerating an interaction between the at least one adhesion material coated on the substrate and the ionic at least one catalyst in the fourth solution.
Herein, the "fourth time period" refers to the duration of time during which the substrate is subjected to immersion in the fourth solution as well as application of the second current thereto for depositing the at least one catalyst on the substrate, thereby manufacturing the bifunctional electrode. Optionally, the fourth time period ranges from 15 to 45 minutes, preferably 30 minutes. The fourth time period may range from 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 20, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, or 44 minutes up to 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 or 45 minutes. It may be appreciated that, preferably the fourth time period may be 30 minutes, for allowing desired level of deposition of the at least one catalyst on the substrate coated with or interlayered with the at least one adhesion material. Optionally, the second current ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 ASD, preferably 1 ASD. The second current may range from 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.4 ASD up to 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 1.4 or 1.5 ASD. It may be appreciated that the second current may, preferably, be 1 ASD for optimum deposition of the at least one catalyst on the substrate having at least one adhesion material layered thereon.
Optionally, the at least one catalyst in the fourth solution is selected from a salt of at least one of: molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), osmium (Os). In this regard, the salts of the aforementioned elements are selected because of their affinity to be in the ionic form when a solution is prepared with a suitable solvent as well as the final catalytic nature thereof to enhance OER and HER. The suitable solvent may be selected from at least one of: an acid, an alkaline, a neutral solvent. The at least one catalyst is dissolved in the suitable solvent in a specific concentration determined as per a desired deposition of the at least one catalyst on the surface of the substrate.
Optionally, the fourth solution comprising the at least one catalyst is selected from at least one of: cobalt sulphate (CoSO4), cobalt nitrate (Co(NO3)2), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4), ammonium molybdate (NH4)2MoO4, nickel sulphide (Ni3S2), nickel sulphate (NiSO4), nickel nitrate (NiNO3)2. Optionally, an additional activating agent may be used to promote formation of required at least one catalyst having a suitable composition to enhance the functionality of the bifunctional electrode. Optionally, the additional activating agent may be at least one of: trisodium citrate (Na2C6H5O7), potassium citrate (K3C6H5O7) and ammonium sulphate (NH4SO4). In this regard, one or more of catalyst amongst the at least one catalyst may form a composite to be deposited on the surface of the coated substrate. For example, NiSO4 + CoSO4+ Na2MoO4 +Na2C6H5O7, and NH4SO4 may form a suitable chemical composition that results in deposition of Ni-Mo-Co on the surface of the substrate, when used in a specific concentration. In another example, nickel sulphate (NiSO4.6H2O) (in concentration of 5-10 grams per litre (gpl)), sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4.2H2O) (in concentration of 2-4 gpl), cobalt sulphate CoSO4.7H2O (in concentration of 8-12 gpl), trisodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7.2H2O) (in concentration of 7-10 gpl) and ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4 (in concentration of 3-6 gpl) forms a suitable chemical composition that results in deposition of Ni-Mo-Co on the surface of the substrate.
The present disclosure also relates to the bifunctional electrode as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned method, apply mutatis mutandis to the bifunctional electrode.
Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a schematic diagram of a bifunctional electrode 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the bifunctional electrode 200 comprises a base material, namely, a substrate 202, a thin layer of an interlayering material comprising at least one adhesion material 204 coated on surface of the substrate 202, and at least one catalyst 206 deposited on the at least one adhesion material 204 coated substrate 202. The substrate 202 is configured to provide structural and operational integrity and durability to the bifunctional electrode 200. The at least one adhesion material 204 provides enhanced adhesion between the substrate 202 and the at least one catalyst 206. The at least one catalyst 206 is configured to promote both HER and OER in the electrolytic environment. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolytic environment refers to an alkaline electrolytic environment. The aforementioned bifunctional electrode 200 is utilized for promoting electrolysis of an alkaline electrolyte to produce hydrogen at cathode and oxygen at anode.
Referring to FIG. 3A and 3B, illustrated is a graphical representation of an electrolysis activity performed by a bifunctional electrode in use, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3A, illustrated is a water splitting activity of the bifunctional electrode. As shown, a current density (in Y-axis) is plotted against potential (in X-axis) to calculate an overpotential value for the aforementioned bifunctional electrode. In this regard, the bifunctional electrode demonstrates an overpotential of 2.3 V at a current density of 0.5A/cm2 in a sample alkaline medium, of 6 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a temperature of 25°C.
Referring to FIG. 3B, illustrated is a catalytic activity of the bifunctional electrode in comparison to a conventional electrode. In this regard, chronopotentiometry studies were carried out to test the stability of the catalytic activity with and without the at least one adhesion material as inter-layer. It may be appreciated that, the at least one adhesion material as used herein is nickel (Ni). Herein, the cell voltage (in Y axis) is recorded as a function of time (in X axis) at a constant current density (0.5 A/cm2). Moreover, it may be appreciated that, the at least one catalyst is coated on both cathode and anode and used as a bifunctional catalyst and the at least one catalyst is a composite of Ni-Mo-Co. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that, a 6 M potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) is used as an electrolyte. As shown, in curve 302, the conventional electrode with only a Ni-Mo-Co catalyst deposited on a substrate without an interlayer of at least one adhesion material of Ni strike therebetween, exhibits variation in water-splitting activity in the 6 M potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) used as electrolyte and a high degradation rate of 4.17 mV/h. On the contrary, as shown in curve 304, the bifunctional electrode prepared utilizing aforementioned method, where an interlayer of at least one adhesion material of Ni exists between a Ni-Mo-Co catalyst and a substrate, demonstrates consistent catalytic activity with low degradation rate of 1.95 mV/h.
It may be appreciated that the at least one adhesion material does not impart an additional catalytic activity to the bifunctional electrode. However, a distinct difference appears in terms of stability in the cell activity in presence of the at least one adhesion material layered on the bifunctional electrode, as shown in FIG. 3B.
Thus, it can be interpretated that having a nickel (Ni) interlayer as at least one adhesion material layered in between the substrate and the at least one catalyst, improved the catalyst attachment onto the substrate, and thereby increased the catalytic stability by at least 2X, owing to approximately 53% reduction in degradation rate, as observed in FIG. 3B.
Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS:
I/We claim:
1. A method for manufacturing a bifunctional electrode (200), the bifunctional electrode comprising a substrate (202), at least one catalyst (206), and at least one adhesion material (204) layered between the substrate and the at least one catalyst, the method comprising:
pre-treating the substrate in a first solution for a first time period and subsequently in a second solution for a second time period; and
coating the pretreated substrate with the at least one adhesion material and the at least one catalyst, sequentially, wherein the step of coating the substrate comprising:
immersing the pretreated substrate in a third solution comprising the at least one adhesion material and a solvent; and simultaneously applying a first current to the third solution, while the pretreated substrate is still immersed therein, for a third time period; and
dipping the at least one adhesion material-coated substrate in a fourth solution comprising the at least one catalyst, and simultaneously applying a second current to the fourth solution, for a fourth time period, to deposit the at least one catalyst on the at least one adhesion material-coated substrate, thereby manufacturing the bifunctional electrode.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate (202) is fabricated from a material selected from: a ferrous element, a non-ferrous element, an alloy of metals, and wherein the alloy of metals is selected from at least one of: nickel, stainless steel.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one catalyst promotes at least one of: a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) reaction.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one adhesion material is selected from at least one of: nickel, copper, gold, silver, zincate, palladium, tin.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one adhesion material forms metallic bond with the substrate and the at least one catalyst.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of pre-treating the substrate is selected from at least one of: a cleaning activity, and/or a surface restructuring activity.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the first solution is a polar solution, and the first time period ranges from 5 to 15 minutes;
the second solution is an acidic solution selected from at least one of: hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulphuric acid (H2SO4), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4), phosphoric acid (H3PO4) or a composite thereof, and the second time period ranges from 1 to 5 minutes;
the third time period ranges from 0.5 to 5 minutes, and the first current ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 ampere per squared decimetre; and
the fourth time period ranges from 15 to 45 minutes, and the second current ranges from 0.5 to 1.5.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solvent in the third solution is selected from: hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, or any such suitable material
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one catalyst in the fourth solution is selected from a salt of at least one of: molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt), osmium (Os), and the fourth solution is selected from at least one of: cobalt sulphate (CoSO4), cobalt nitrate (Co(NO3)2), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4), ammonium molybdate (NH4)2MoO4, nickel sulphide (Ni3S2), nickel sulphate (NiSO4), nickel nitrate (NiNO3)2.
10. A bifunctional electrode comprising:
a substrate;
at least one catalyst deposited on the surface of the substrate; and
at least one adhesion material layered between the substrate and the at least one catalyst,
wherein the bifunctional electrode is configured to perform electrolysis of an alkaline electrolyte.