Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Iridium-Modified Nickel Foam Surfaces

This work reports on cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), studied on Ir-activated nickel foam materials, prepared through spontaneous and electrodeposition methods (examined in 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte). Both Ir modifications of Ni foam caused substantial improvement of the HER kinetics, as compared with those recorded for as-received and surface-activated nickel foam materials. Electrochemical examinations were conducted through AC impedance spectroscopy and quasi-steady-state cathodic polarization experiments. Significance of catalytic nature of Ir deposit and employed deposition methodology on the HER behavior of such-obtained Ni foam/Ir composites were discussed in detail by means of SEM/EDX spectroscopy analysis. Graphical