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NiMo-NiCu Inexpensive Composite with High Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Hugo L S Santos1, Patricia G Corradini1, Marina Medina1
1Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luiz, Km 235, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
Adding copper to NiMo coatings significantly enhances hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. The resulting NiMo-NiCu composites exhibit increased surface roughness, electroactive area, and stability for water electrolysis.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Nickel-Molybdenum (NiMo) coatings are crucial for electrocatalytic applications.
- Optimizing NiMo coatings for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and stability is an ongoing research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of copper (Cu) addition on the structural and electrochemical properties of NiMo coatings.
- To evaluate the performance of NiMo-NiCu composite catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Main Methods:
- Co-electrodeposition of NiMo and NiMo-NiCu composite coatings with varying Cu molar ratios (0.06-0.20).
- Characterization of deposit morphology, surface roughness, and crystalline phases (including NiCu formation).
- Electrochemical evaluation using Tafel curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and polarization tests to assess HER activity and stability.
Main Results:
- Copper addition induced the formation of a new NiCu crystalline phase.
- NiMo-NiCu composites showed significantly increased surface roughness (up to 30x higher than NiMo).
- NiMo-NiCu catalysts demonstrated superior HER activity, larger electroactive surface area, and enhanced stability in continuous water electrolysis compared to pure NiMo.
Conclusions:
- Copper incorporation effectively modifies the microstructure and enhances the electrocatalytic properties of NiMo coatings for HER.
- The synergistic effects between Ni-Mo, increased electroactive area, and surface oxides contribute to the excellent HER performance of NiMo-NiCu catalysts.
- NiMo-NiCu composites represent promising, stable, and highly active electrocatalysts for water electrolysis applications.
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