Electroless deposition of Ni-W-P films as binder-free, efficient and durable electrode for electrochemical hydrogen evolution

Abstract

The electrocatalytic characteristics of Ni-W-P electroless coatings were investigated in this work. Coatings with varying amounts of W and P were deposited, with the elemental analysis results revealing that the alkaline baths had superior alloying element adsorption in the coating. Linear Sweep Voltametry (LSV) test showed that the sample coated in the alkaline bath with 16 g/l Na2WO4 featured the best electrocatalytic behavior with a phosphorus and tungstate content of around 5.7% and 5.8%, respectively, and η10 = -181 mV. Furthermore, the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) experiment revealed the crystal structure alterations owing to the presence of tungsten elements, which was an influential factor in enhancing the resultant electrocatalytic characteristics. Finally, the coating electrocatalytic stability was assessed using chronoamperometry, CV, and stepwise chronoamperometry tests, demonstrating the WH16 sample, to be a viable candidate for producing a durable electrode generation with good stability.