ZrO2-reinforced Ni-P plate: An effective catalytic surface for hydrogen evolution

Nickel and its alloys have recently been emerged as potential catalytic electrode materials for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media. The present work contemplates reinforcement of electroless Ni-P plate with ZrO₂. The plate showed very high stability and excellent electrocatalytic activity. In situ incorporation of ZrO₂ resulted in increase in the rate of deposition of Ni on steel substrate. There was high activation during the initial stage of the plating also. The electrocatalytic activity of the ZrO₂-reinforced Ni electroless plate was found to be highly reproducible and long lasting when used for hydrogen evolution reaction.