Nickel oxide water electrolysis diaphragm fabricated by a novel method

We have been studying small-scale, dispersed hydrogen production by water electrolysis by using renewable energy such as solar light. In order to fabricate the compact nickel oxide diaphragms used in such system, a novel method was devised where Ni deposition was applied in combination with a masking process. The method has the merits of being controllable in thickness and porous structure, making it possible to fabricate the compact diaphragms. The diaphragms were evaluated under atmospheric pressure, in 1 M KOH and 30 wt% KOH, from room temperature to 80∘C, regarding the properties of diaphragm resistance, I–VI–V characteristic of the electrolysis, gas separation ability, and durability. It was confirmed that the diaphragms fabricated by the present novel method had eligible properties in the water electrolysis.