On Sat, Aug 23, 2014 at 8:23 AM, Ron Kita <chiralex.k...@gmail.com> wrote:
Not sure IF this is news: > http://phys.org/news/2014-08-scientists-splitter-ordinary-aaa-battery.html > This is an interesting article. It suggests nickel oxide has a relatively low work function. I assume the water splitting occurs from electrons that are emitted as current passes through the nickel material. Presumably the nickel oxide has a low work function and only a small current is needed to cause the electrons to be emitted. The article also mentions that the nickel catalyst degrades faster than catalysts that contain precious metals such as platinum. Eric