Study on voltage-selective urea oxidation over NiTi@Ni(OH)2

Abstract

The application of NiTi alloys in the electrooxidation of urea is primarily based on their unique electrochemical activity and stable chemical properties. It has been found that during electrochemical cyclic voltammetry treatment, a Ni(OH)₂ layer with high catalytic activity can be formed on the surface of NiTi alloys, which significantly enhances the efficiency of urea electrooxidation. Electrochemical studies reveal that NiTi@Ni(OH)₂ exhibits voltage-dependent selectivity between urea oxidation and water oxidation. When the applied potential is less than 1.47 V, the electrode undergoes urea oxidation; in contrast, when the applied potential exceeds 1.54 V, the electrode reaction switches to water oxidation. That is, the selectivity between urea oxidation and water oxidation can be achieved by adjusting the applied potential, which provides a new approach for the selectivity control of electrochemical reactions.