STUDIES OF THE HYDROGEN EVOLUTION REACTION AN NI-P ELECTRODES

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was studied on Ni-P electrodes c ontaining 8 to 30 atomic percent P prepared by galvanostatic depositio n. The electrodes were studied directly after preparation or after ret reatment by heating, leaching in HF solution, anodic oxidation; or pot ential cycling in the solution. The activity of these electrodes depen ded on the method of preparation and phosphorous content. The activity was higher for the materials deposited at lower temperatures and for those containing smaller amounts of phosphorous. The mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction was studied in 1 M NaOH, and the kinetic p arameters were determined using steady-state polarization and electroc hemical impedance spectroscopy techniques.