Electrodeposited Ni dendrites with high activity and durability for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline water electrolysis

Different shapes of various nickel structures, including dendrite, particle and film are fabricated by electrodeposition under various conditions. The shape of nickel structures is definitely dependent on the deposition potential, leading to different electrochemical surface area and edge facets. The nickel particle which has a polycrystalline center and edge is obtained at high negative potential. On the other hand, the nickel dendrite deposited by relatively low negative potential exhibits large electrochemical surface area and a particularly active facet for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline water electrolysis. In fact the nickel dendrite shows the highest catalytic activity and stability for HER among the various nickel structures.