The presence of an external magnetic field induced by approaching a neodymium magnet to the electrolyser spurs the electrocatalytic activity on the anode in some cases, increasing the hydrogen production two-fold. The scientists report that the magnetic field directly affects the reaction pathway by allowing for spin conservation of the active catalyst, which in turn favours parallel spin alignment of the oxygen atoms during the reaction. Due to the external magnetic field, this overall spin polarization improves the efficiency of the process.
The catalytic activity enhancement is proportional to the magnetic nature of the catalysts used to drive the water-splitting reaction. Thus, NiZnFe4Ox, a highly magnetic ferrite, exhibited the greatest enhancing effect when presented with a magnetic field. This ferrite can also magnetically attach itself to a nickel metal support, curbing the need to use binders to attach catalysts to a physical support.
The catalytic activity enhancement is proportional to the magnetic nature of the catalysts used to drive the water-splitting reaction. Thus, NiZnFe4Ox, a highly magnetic ferrite, exhibited the greatest enhancing effect when presented with a magnetic field. This ferrite can also magnetically attach itself to a nickel metal support, curbing the need to use binders to attach catalysts to a physical support.
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