Simultaneous Ni-TiO2 coated electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media

Hydrogen is recognized as a clean and reliable energy option, and its efficient and effective production is essential for future energy systems and their deployments. In this study, Ni and Ni-TiO 2 coatings are prepared on stainless steel substrates by co-electrodeposition at different deposition times and are evaluated for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. The XRD and FESEM analyses confirm the beneficial role of TiO 2 incorporation. The Ni-TiO 2 electrode deposited for 7 min shows the best performance, achieving a hydrogen production rate of 51 mL cm −2 h −1 , with an energy efficiency of 21.45 %, an exergy efficiency of 21.42 %, a Faraday efficiency of 94.97 %, a Tafel slope of 0.118 V dec −1 , an exchange current density of 1.04x10 −4 A cm −2 , and a charge-transfer resistance of 0.068 Ω cm 2 . The AGREE score of 0.64 further highlights the environmental advantages. This study also represents the first application of the AGREE metric to Ni-TiO 2 co-electrodeposited electrodes. • The study demonstrates enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in alkaline media. • The incorporation of TiO 2 significantly enhances HER performance through co-electrodeposition. • The best electrocatalytic efficiency was achieved with Ni-TiO 2 coated for 7 min. • The process is in line with the principles of green analytical chemistry, confirmed by AGREE analysis.