Development of Fe2O3–TiO2 mixed oxide incorporated Ni–P coating for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Considering the electronic parameters and chemical characteristics, a synergistic catalytic effect of Fe2O3 along with TiO2 could be achieved for electrochemical reactions if both the oxides are produced in a mixed oxide form. The present study explored the mixed oxide composite viz; Fe2O3–TiO2, synthesized via thermal decomposition method, to increase the catalytic efficiency of Ni–P electrodes, the well known catalytic electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline medium. The incorporation of the Fe2O3–TiO2 mixed oxide into Ni–P matrix substantially reduced overpotential during hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 32% NaOH solution. A significant improvement on the electrochemical activity of the Ni–P coated electrodes was achieved as evidenced from the results of Tafel and impedance studies. The incorporation of Fe2O3–TiO2 mixed oxide composite into the Ni–P matrix has improved both metallurgical and electrochemical characteristics and hence its amount of incorporation should be optimum. The electrodes exhibited high stability under dynamic experimental conditions. The role of the composite and the possible mechanism are discussed in this paper.

► Synergistic catalytic effect of Fe2O3 with TiO2 was predicted for Hydrogen activity.
► Fe2O3–TiO2 was synthesized for catalytic electrochemical hydrogen generation.
► The methodology of preparation of the composite and the composite coating is reliable.
►  The electrochemical activity of the Ni–P coated electrodes was significantly improved.