Electrodeposition, characterization and long term stability of NiW and NiWZn coatings on copper substrate in alkaline solution

This paper describes the electrodeposition of Ni, NiW and NiWZn coatings onto copper surfaces from electrolyte solutions containing Na3C6H5O7, Na2WO4, NiSO4 and ZnSO4. The electrocatalytic effects of electrodeposited coatings were investigated for hydrogen evolution reactions in 1 M NaOH solution. Surface characterization studies were carried out by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and cross-section analysis. The effect of operating conditions on the chemical composition, microstructure and electrocatalytic properties of Ni-W coatings was studied. The Zn ions were used to improve the active surface area and catalytic activity of the electrodeposited surface. The electrocatalytic activity of NiW and NiWZn coated electrodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution was compared with that of an electrodeposited Ni electrode and copper substrate by using cathodic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques over 96 h of electrolysis. The results proved that the NiWZn coated electrode showed better electrocatalytic activity and durability than bare Cu, Ni and NiW coatings.