Electrochemical deposition and characterization of NiCu coatings as cathode materials for hydrogen evolution reaction

In this study, NiCu composite coatings were electrochemically deposited on a copper electrode (Cu/NiCu) and characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) techniques in view of their possible applications as electrocatalytic materials for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The HER activity of the prepared electrodes were studied in 1 M KOH solution by cathodic current–potential curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. It was found that, the NiCu coating has a porous structure and good electrocatalytic activity for the HER in alkaline medium. The HER activity of the Cu/NiCu electrode was higher than uncoated (Cu) and Ni coated (Cu/Ni) copper electrodes. Its catalytic activity was related to the porosity as well as synergistic interaction of Ni and Cu.