Chem 120b presentation

Descriptive interpretation

Larger bubbles were created in cathode, which corresponds with the Cathode half-reaction in the water-splitting theory. ​

Bubbles are produced faster from the anode, because there are more oxygen anions present than cations, due to compound composition, speeding up oxidation.

Interpretation of Qualitative Data

• Compound X and V (La₂NiO₄) ​

• Only has one transition metal: Nickel ​

• Had high bubble production ​

• Having only Nickel maintains stability in octahedra structure of perovskite which allows for better catalytic performance. ​

• Compound Y and W (La₂Ni1-xCoxO4)​

• Contains extra transition metal: Cobalt ​

• Had lower bubble production​Cobalt, can cause structural distortion, lowering catalytic performance. ​

Discussion Limitations

• Lack of precise instruments ​

• Amount of trials is restricted to 2​

• Hygroscopic materials

Discussion of Future Plans

• Use precise measuring instruments to quantitatively determine the catalytic performance of different Ruddlesden poppers ​

• Use an electron microscope to visualize morphology of Ruddlesden poppers to test Cobalt structure distortion theory ​

• Retest compounds during electrolysis in various conditions (e.g. higher or lower temperatures) and observe changes in performance​