Developing novel hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts with high activity, high stability and low cost is of great importance for the applications of hydrogen energy. In this work, iridium-nickel (Ir-Ni) thin films were electrodeposited on a copper foam as electrocatalyst for HER, and electrodeposition mechanism of Ir-Ni film was studied. The morphology and chemical composition of thin films were determined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The electrocatalytic performances of the films were estimated by linear sweep voltammograms, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The results show that Ir-Ni thin films were attached to the substrate of porous structure and hollow topography. The deposition of Ni was preferable in the electrolyte without the addition of additives, and Ir-Ni thin film was alloyed, resulting in high deposition rate for Ir42Ni58 thin film, and subsequently an increase of Ir content in the thin films of Ir80Ni20 and Ir88Ni12. Ir-Ni thin films with Tafel slopes of 40-49 mV·dec-1 exhibited highly efficient electrocatalytic activity for HER. The electrocatalytic activity of Ir-Ni thin films showed a loading dependence. As the solution temperature raised from 20 oC to 60 oC, the hydrogen evolution performance of Ir-Ni thin films improved. The apparent activation energy value of Ir88Ni12 film was 7.1 kJ·mol-1. Long-term hydrogen evolution tests exhibited excellent electrocatalystic stability in alkaline solution.
Electrodeposition of Iridium-Nickel Thin Films on Copper Foam: Effects of Loading and Solution Temperature on HER Performance of Electrocatalyst in Alkaline Water
