Hydrogen evolution on Ni-S, Ni-P and Ni-B alloys

Ni-S, Ni-P and Ni-B alloys were electrochemically deposited at 25 degreesC, and their catalytic activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction was examined. It was found that the alloys share features both with respect to the deposition and catalytic properties. By changing deposition conditions, the P, S and B content of the films could be controlled. It is proposed that there are several reactions taking place during deposition and that changing the deposition conditions changes the rate of these reactions. Good catalytic properties could be attained with both B, P and S. For all the alloys the maximum catalytic activities was found within narrow range, forming volcano type plots.