Design of Nanostructured Nickel Hydroxide-based Materials for Renewable, Electrochemical Energy Applications
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Authors
Gibaldi, Marco
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Chemistry , Electrochemistry , Nanomaterials , Energy , Nickel Hydroxide , Layered Double Hydroxide , Mesoporous Metal Oxide , Nickel
Alternative Title
Abstract
This contribution investigates the synthesis and characterization of nickel and nickel hydroxide-based materials with intended applications as electrode materials and electrocatalysts in clean, renewable energy technologies. A diverse range of nickel-based nanostructures are studied to identify candidates with high surface area and significant electrocatalytic activities towards the relevant hydrogen and oxygen redox reactions. The structures studied in this work include nickel hydroxide nanocages, nickel-based layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles, and nickel-based mesoporous metal oxides (MMO). To evaluate these materials, a complete characterization of the synthesized nanostructures is presented, comprising a combination of thermal analyses, surface science techniques and electrochemical analyses to gain a fundamental understanding of their chemical composition and structural features. Based on these results, we propose a tunable methodology for the preparation of nickel-based LDH nanoparticles including various historically relevant, hybrid nickel materials (i.e. Ni-Al, Ni-Zn, Ni-Fe, etc.). Tripodal ligands are applied in this technique to act as particle growth control agents, resulting in the successful isolation of nanoparticles as small as 30 nm and 15 nm (diameter), in the cases of Ni and Ni-Fe, respectively. Assembly of these nanoparticles into larger mesoporous structures was also performed using a soft polymer-templating method, and a comprehensive overview of this technique is presented. Successful conversion of hybrid nickel hydroxide nanoparticles to the corresponding mesoporous nickel oxide was confirmed by electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements. The foundation for further exploration of a vast series of nickel hydroxide and nickel oxide functional nanomaterials is established based on the novel research presented in this work.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.