The electrochemistry of nanostructured Ni–W alloys

This work reports on the features that Ni–W nanostructured alloys, electrodeposited on carbon steel by different current pulse programs, may present depending on their surface morphology and surface composition. The Ni–W nanostructured coating, with a cauliflower structure, lack of fragility, and high WO3/W surface composition ratio, is a stable electrode to catalyze hydrogen evolution reaction, exceeding bulk and electrodeposited Ni catalytic activity. Also, the nanostructured alloys must have a low WO3/W surface composition ratio for Ni and its oxides to provide protection and improve corrosion resistance in sulfate media.