In-situ microtomography on the leaching behaviour of Raney-Type Nickel

The increasing demand for green hydrogen for both energy and industry is pushing for progress in water electrolysis. In this project we want to apply microtomography to study the leaching behaviour of aluminium from the Ni2Al3 phase on top of a nickel substrate by in-situ micro-CT. This will contribute to a deeper understanding of the formation of a Raney-Nickel catalyst layer on Ni-electrodes. The aim is to quantify the formation of micro cracks and to track the time-dependent movement of the reaction front. Of particular interest is the formation of weak spots and cracks parallel to the substrate surface. These have been identified in preliminary studies as potential starting points for delamination of the catalyst layer, resulting in a significant degradation of the electrode performance. The results of this experiment will enhance our comprehension of the leaching process and the formation of the catalyst layer directly on the substrate.