Effect of the support material type on the electrocatalytic activity of Pd–Au electrodeposits in neutral electrolyte

• Pd–Au electrocatalysts were prepared by electrochemical deposition.
• Their electrocatalytic activity towards HER in neutral electrolyte was investigated.
• The quantities of the produced hydrogen at different potentials were estimated.
• The highest hydrogen evolution rate was achieved with Pd–Au/Ni-foam electrodes.
• The most appropriate from the examined support materials is the nickel foam.

Pd–Au co-deposits were produced by electrochemical deposition on nickel foam, carbon felt and porous graphite. The morphology of the obtained electrodeposits was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of Pd–Au co-deposits towards hydrogen evolution reaction in neutral phosphate buffer solution was examined by means of linear voltammetry. The quantities of the produced hydrogen gas with different electrocatalysts were calculated from data obtained by chronoamperometry. The highest hydrogen production rate of 26 mL mg−1 cm−2 h−1 was achieved using Pd–Au co-deposits on Ni-foam. The contribution of the explored support materials to the total electrode activity was evaluated by comparison of the results obtained with the supported catalysts and corresponding bare supports.