Selective dissolution of amorphous and nanocrystalline Zr2Ni

• Selective dissolution of Zr2Ni amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys.
• Proved surface controlled selective dissolution process.
• Improved electrocatalytic activity for HER of dealloyed Zr2Ni alloys.

Rapidly quenched Zr2Ni amorphous and nanocrystalline ribbons were subjected to electrochemical selective dissolution. The porous structure of the dealloyed materials showed a dependence on the alloy microstructure. The etching takes place with constant rate in three dimensions, indicating a surface controlled dissolution process. The etching rate of the amorphous alloy was found to be lower than for the nanocrystalline material. Partial crystallization of the de-alloyed amorphous ribbon has been observed. The electrocatalytic activity for Hydrogen evolution reaction of the selectively dissolved amorphous and nanocrystalline ribbons was found to be improved compared to the as-cast alloys.