Substrate and Step Rate Dependence Electrodeposition of Nickel–Cobalt–Molybdenum–Phosphorous Alloy for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

Understanding the hydrogen economy involves recognizing the crucial role of water‐splitting in producing green, clean, and carbon‐free hydrogen. In that respect, the role of catalyst is very important as it enhances the reaction rate and efficiency, making hydrogen production more viable and sustainable. Herein, nickel–cobalt–molybdenum–phosphorous (Ni–Co–Mo–P) alloy has shown efficient catalysis properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline medium. The quaternary alloys are directly grown on different substrates like nickel sheet, copper sheet, and stainless‐steel sheet by employing a simple pulse electrodeposition method. The method is conducted with a pulse interval time of 15 s at various pulse rates while maintaining the pH of 4 at room temperature. The alloy deposition is performed at a potential range from −1.5 V to −0.15 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The electrodeposition of the alloy in different substrates is first established with X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The deposited quaternary alloy exhibits the lowest overpotential of −163 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for copper substrate with a Tafel slope of 154 mV dec−1. The microcrystalline structure or amorphous nature and the rough grain surface of Ni‐Co‐Mo‐P alloys have characterized by XRD and scanning electron microscopy micrograph, respectively.