Optimization of Electrodeposited Nickel-Zinc Alloys for Alkaline Electrolyzer with Nanostructured Electrodes

It is common opinion that hydrogen will become increasingly important over time. However, many research efforts still need to be made to develop efficient, low-cost and carbon-free hydrogen production. In this context, electrolysers will play a key role, but it is necessary to develop efficient and low-cost electrode/electrocatalyst materials. In this work, Nickel-Zinc alloy electrodes with nanowires morphology were investigated as cathode for alkaline electrolyzer. Electrodes were obtained by the simple method of template electrosynthesis that is also inexpensive and scalable. Nanostructured electrodes were analysed by morphological and chemical analyses. The nanowires composition is dependent on the concentration of two metals in the deposition solution. Electrocatalytic tests were performed in 30% w/w potassium hydroxide aqueous solution at room temperature. In order to study the electrodes stability, mid-term galvanostatic test was also carried out. All electrochemical tests show that electrodes with about 50% of both elements have the best performances.