Economical deposition of Ni high cerium oxide nanocomposite coatings

Abstract

Ni high cerium oxide nanocomposite coatings were prepared by electrodeposition process using inexpensive and particle free aqueous baths containing NiCl₂.6H₂O and CeCl₃.7H₂O salts. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, EDAX and X-ray diffraction studies showed the possibility of deposition of nickel containing 35% cerium oxide composite coating. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic data indicated that the presence of cerium oxide in the Ni deposit led to an increase in electrocatalytic activity in hydrogen evolution.