For the development of non-precious-metal-based materials for the assorted electrochemical engineering fields as an alternative for precious metals, we report promising potential of Ni-TiO₂/NiO nanocomposite which is synthesized by self-catalytic reactions on metallic substrates. Microstructure characterization via TEM shows the well-dispersed TiO₂ nanoparticles in Ni alloy matrix.

 Electrochemical properties are investigated via linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) in 125, 150, and 175 ^oC of 15 ppm ethanolamine (ETA) solution (pH₂₅ 9.3). LSV were carried out in order to reveal anodic polarization behaviors (Figure 1) to investigate a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on catalytic surface.

 The results give while Ni/NiO represents electrocatalytic activity until 125 ^oC, Ni-TiO₂/NiO does until 150 ^oC. This tendency can be explained by the dissolution of NiO species into Ni²⁺ ions and TiO₂ nanoparticles suppress the corrosion of the Ni frame. Therefore, it can be concluded that the embedded noble and solid nanoparticle can enhance electrocatalytic activity even at the elevated temperatures.