Mechanistic insights on Bi-potentiodynamic control towards atomistic synthesis of electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.

Herein, electrochemically assisted dissolution-deposition (EADD) is utilized over a three-electrode assembly to prepare an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Cyclic voltammetry is performed to yield atomistic loading of platinum (Pt) over SnS2 nanostructures via Pt dissolution from the counter electrode (CE). Astonishingly, the working electrode (WE) swept at 50 mV/s is found to compel Pt CE to experience 1000-3000 mV/s. The effect of different potential scan rates at the WE have provided insight into the change in Pt dissolution and its deposition behaviour over SnS2 in three electrode assembly. However, uncontrolled overpotentials at CE in a three-electrode assembly made Pt dissolution-deposition behavior complex. Here, for the first time, we have demonstrated bi-potentiodynamic control for dissolution deposition of Pt in four-electrode assembly over Nickel (Ni) foam. The dual cyclic voltammetry is applied to achieve better control and efficiency of the EADD process, engendering it as a pragmatically versatile and scalable synthesis technique.

Synthesis and characterization of tamarugite from aluminium dross: Part I.

Aluminium dross, which is otherwise a hazardous waste, can be used for the synthesis of Tamarugite. Since aluminium dross is a good source of aluminium, utilizing the aluminium dross for the generation of valuable products is a reliable method of recycling this industrial waste. The motivation of the present research is to jointly recycle aluminium dross and synthesize Tamarugite. In this research article, the synthesis of Tamarugite was carried out using the addition of NaOH and H2SO4 solutions to aluminium dross. The dross reacts with NaOH to form NaAl(OH)4 and the addition of H2SO4 results in the generation of NaAl(SO4)2.6H2O. Since Tamarugite is a relatively rare mineral, its applications have not yet been reported much. However, the authors have explored the possibility of using Tamarugite as a coagulant and found that the mineral has excellent coagulation tendency. The authors believe that present research shall expand the new horizon for utilization of Tamarugite and recycling of aluminium dross.