TiO2@G-M (M:Ni,NiBi) Catalyst Production, Characterization and Application for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

In this study, nano scale electrocatalyst production, characterization and application for hydrogen evolution reaction was aimed. For this purpose, TiO₂ nanotubes were achieved by anodizing on Ti substrate then graphite intercalated on anodized surface and finally nickel and bismuth nano particles were electrochemically deposited on this surface. Produced electrodes were symbolized as TiO₂@G-M (M:Ni,NiBi). The electrocatalytic performance of these electrodes were investigated in 1 M KOH for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The characterization was achieved by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The water wettability characteristics of electrode surfaces were investigated using contact angle by optical tensiometer. The Young-Laplace equation was used for calculations. The electrochemical behaviour was determined via linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curves. Results showed that, nano-structured Ni and Bi deposited-graphite intercalated-titanium oxide nano-tubes (TiO₂@G-NiBi) decrease the hydrogen over potential and increase HER efficiency in alkaline solution.