Influence of plastic strain on the hydrogen evolution reaction on nickel (100) single crystal surfaces to improve hydrogen embrittlement

Hydrogen-induced embrittlement can be accountable for premature failure of structure in relation with physical and/or chemical processes occurring on material's surface or in the bulk of the material. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) corresponding to the early step of hydrogen ingress in the material is explored in present study in relation with plastic strain. HER on nickel (100) single crystal in sulphuric acid medium can be related by a Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism. The corresponding elementary kinetic parameters as symmetry coefficients, activation enthalpies, and number of active sites have been identified via a thermokinetic model using experimental data. These parameters can be affected by defects associated with plastic strain. Irreversible plastic strain modifies the density and the distribution of storage dislocations affecting the surface roughness at atomic scale and generating additional active adsorption sites. Furthermore, surface emergence of mobile dislocations induces the formation of slip bands, which modify the surface roughness and the electronic state of the surface and increases the (111) surface density. The consequence of plastic strain on HER is explored and discussed in relation with both processes.