Ni–Fe Cathode Catalyst in Zero-Gap Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Ni–Fe cathode catalyst for zero-gap alkaline water electrolysis was studied. Ni–Fe coatings on nickel foam were prepared by direct current (DC) and pulse current (PC) electrodeposition. The influence of different plating conditions and composition of the electrolyte on the morphology of the samples was studied. It was found that under DC electrodeposition, iron is dominant in the coating. Under PC plating conditions, Ni is the dominant element in Ni–Fe coatings. Ni–Fe coatings prepared under DC electrodeposition provide an effective catalyst in zero-gap electrolysis. Increasing Fe content in the coatings improves the catalytic activity of Ni–Fe catalyst. The study of convenient parameters of PC electrodeposition seems to be complex to reach a highly active surface area. Graphical abstract