Improving the Electrocatalytic Performance for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in the Electrodeposited Ni-Based Matrix by Incorporating WS2 Nanoparticles

Abstract

Ni based alloys and composites may constitute an alternative to noble metal as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) during the water electrolysis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of the electrodeposited Ni-WS2 and Ni–Mo–WS2 composites. The effect of the addition of WS2 nanoparticles on the structure, surface morphology and surface composition of Ni and Ni–Mo metallic matrix was thoroughly examined. The obtained results were used to explain the catalytic performance and the HER mechanism of the studied composites. It was found that the incorporation of the WS2 nanoparticles increased the electrocatalytic activity of the Ni and Ni–Mo matrix. The highest electrocatalytic activity was found for the Ni–Mo–WS2 electrode. This was, firstly, a consequence of the quasi-amorphous structure of the composite, which increased the real surface area of the electrode. On the other hand, the intrinsic catalytic activity was enhanced by the outer oxide layer rich in Mo oxides formed on the surface of the composite electrode. The presented research is an important contribution to the design of the non-precious composite electrodes for the HER.