Electrocatalytic behavior of electroless Ni-P alloys for the oxygen evolution reaction

The structural and morphological characteristics of electroless nickel phosphorous films (P content from 4.0 to 13.8 at %) are described. Different treatments such as heat (400 C, 1 h) or electrochemical (anodizing at 0.5 V vs. SCE followed by multi-cycle polarization) are employed and their effect on the alloys properties is analyzed using x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. Information on the performance of the as-deposited and treated electroless Ni-P coatings as anodes for oxygen evolution reaction, in alkaline media, is taken from the steady state polarization curves and the correspondent Tafel slopes. The data shows the importance of the deposit crystalline nature and of the electrochemical treatment on the formation of beta-Ni(OH)(2) and subsequently beta-Ni(OOH), crucial for obtaining Ni-P films with good electrocatalytic properties.