Synthesis of NiPd alloy is investigated in many research centers in the world mainly due to its interesting properties making possible its application as magnetic and catalytic materials. NiPd alloys were investigated also as catalysts in autothermal reforming of methane (1), counter electrode electrocatalyst in liquid-junction solar cells (2), utilization of CO₂ and methane in dry reforming process (3), anodes in methanol oxidation (4) and toluene hydrogenation (5). Exchange current density versus the enthalpy of hydrogen adsorption (Log(i₀)-dG_Me-H) dependence allows on assumption that material composed of Ni and Pd will exhibit high catalytic properties towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Previously we reported studies on electrochemical co-deposition of nickel with palladium from acidic solutions containing aquachloro- complexes of both elements (6) as well as palladium with cobalt (7, 8) and nickel with molybdenum (9). In literature, in spite of its wide application range, few reports exist concerning electrodeposition of NiPd alloys. Existing reports are focused on synthesis of NiPd alloys from suplphate-chloride (5), ethylenediamine (4) and chloride (6) based baths. In present work authors reported studies focused on electrochemical deposition in alkaline ammonia based system for first time.

Described studies were started from thermodynamic and UV-Vis analysis enabling qualitative description of analysed system. Electrochemistry of Ni²⁺ – Pd²⁺ – Cl^– – NH₃ – H₂O system was analyzed based on results of cyclic voltammetry combined with electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). In further step synthesized alloys were characterized towards their compositions (WD-XRF), morphology (SEM, AFM), structure (XRD) and catalytic properties towards HER.

 References

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8. K. Mech, et al., Electrochimica Acta, 104, 468 (2013).

9. K. Mech, et al., Archives of Metallurgy and Materials, 58, 227 (2013).