In this work the effect of aging of the electrolyte for electrodeposition of
Ni-MoO2 composite coatings on their morphology (scanning electron
microscopy), chemical composition (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy),
polarization characteristics and the ?service life? test performance for the
hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 32 mass % NaOH at 90?C was
investigated. Polarization characteristics and results of the ?service life?
test of Ni-MoO2 composite coatings obtained after different aging periods of
the electrolyte for deposition (suspension of MoO2 powder particles in the
solution containing 2 M NH4Cl + 0.2 M NiCl2) were compared with that recorded
for De Nora?s commercial Ni+RuO2 cathode coating (DN). It was shown that
aging of the electrolyte did not influence the morphology and chemical
composition of Ni-MoO2 composite coatings electrodeposited under simulated
conditions for their industrial production, while polarization
characteristics for the HER were influenced. The best coating, obtained after
180 days of the electrolyte aging, showed completely different (layered)
structure of the deposit and significantly better performance than the
commercial DN electrode during the ?service life? test.