Boosting hydrogen production via magnetic–electrochemical coupling on nickel electrodes

To elucidate on the effect of external magnetic field application on the electrocatalytic activity of a Ni electrode, this study formulates a novel theoretical framework based on traditional rate equations coupled with magnetic field effects, regarding the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), used for green hydrogen production, a key aspect of sustainable energy goals. The theoretical model, which introduces a magnetic field into the kinetic rate equations governing HER, was based on the Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism for HER and the Frumkin adsorption isotherm equation. The agreement between theoretical analysis and experimental result supports that both the activation enthalpy and the adsorption enthalpy are magnetic field-dependent. The findings suggest an external magnetic field can be applied as a physical tool to modulate the traditional electrochemical reaction, thereby enhancing the production of green hydrogen via HER.