Electrochemical preparation, characterization, and application of a novel cathode material, mild Steel/Ni/NiZn-Pt, for alkaline water electrolysis

Abstract

In this study, a mild steel (MS)/Ni/NiZn-Pt electrode was prepared and characterized in view of its possible application as cathode material for the alkaline water electrolysis in alkaline solution. For this purpose, cyclic voltammetry, atomic absorption spectroscopy, cathodic current-potential curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were used. Corrosion behavior of the electrodes were also evaluated. It was found that the deposition of an under-layer nickel film can enhance corrosion resistance of MS/Ni/NiZn electrode. Alkaline leached MS/Ni/NiZn electrode has good catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution activity. Moreover, MS/Ni/NiZn-Pt electrode has higher catalytic activity acting by lowering hydrogen overpotential. Copyright © 2014 Taylor & Francis.