Context:
A new study claims that a bimetallic Nickel-Iron layered double hydroxide system is the most efficient for oxygen production through water splitting.
Bimetallic NiFe systems:
- Nickel – Iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) system has been identified as highly efficient for Oxygen (O2) production via water splitting.
- Water splitting – Eco-friendly method to generate pure H2 and O2 at scale without ecological harm.
- Composition – Integrate nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) at a molecular level, featuring positively charged metal hydroxide layers interspersed with anions and water molecules.
- Catalytic Properties – These systems exhibit robust catalytic activity for the OER, critical for efficient water splitting due to their high surface area and catalytic sites.
- Applications – Used in electrochemical cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy conversion devices.
- Advantages –
- Cost-effective
- Leverage abundant and inexpensive metals
- Enhances sustainability in catalysis and energy technologies.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen news in the context of
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals
Answer: (c)
