In
this work, the effect of copper addition on NiMo coating is
evaluated in regard to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). NiMo
and NiMo–NiCu composites are prepared by a simple coelectrodeposition
process. The effect of Cu on deposit characters were tested by varying
it in the range of 0.06–0.20 molar ratio. Copper addition promotes
the growth of a new crystalline phase: NiCu. Also, the copper addition
changed the composite surface. NiMo–NiCu0.12 shows
a surface roughness 30 times higher than the NiMo material. NiMo–NiCu
materials present higher activity toward HER, larger electroactive
area, and higher stability in continuous water electrolysis than NiMo
catalysts, as demonstrated by Tafel curves, electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy measurements, and polarization tests. The combination
of the large electroactive area due to the copper addition, the synergism
between Ni–Mo, and the presence of Ni and Mo oxides on the
surface results in catalyst with excellent features for HER application.
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