Electrodeposition of Ni/Ni(OH)2 Catalytic Films for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Produced by using Cyclic Voltammetry

Effective artificial photosynthesis to produce hydrogen from water requires active, earth-abundant, and low-cost electrocatalysts. In this Communication, we present a novel electrodeposition method to produce Ni/Ni(OH)(2) catalytic films insitu on conductive surfaces. The new method involves two cycles of cyclic voltammetry, and produces a catalytic film with a surface morphology consisting of a monolayer of firmly packed walnut-shaped particles. It has superior catalytic activity compared to catalysts produced through traditional electrodeposition methods under constant current density. The method is a simpler and more cost-effective way to fabricate highly effective hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts, creating large numbers of Ni(OH)(2)/Ni interfaces that shift the catalyst's performance significantly towards that of platinum.