Reinforced composite-reductively deposited catalytic coating for hydrogen evolution

Durable low hydrogen cathode coatings on thin nickel woven wire (less than 0.25 mm dia.) substrates have been developed for use in zero-gap membrane cells. The cathode coatings are prepared by a two step method. The substrate is first coated with porous Ru–RuO2 agglomerates by non-electrolytic composite reductive deposition, followed by an electroless alloy-plating step. Besides exhibiting very good electrolytic hydrogen evolution activity, the coatings also show excellent poisoning resistance to impurity metal ions. Laboratory and plant performance results are presented. Morphologic characteristics of the cathode coatings are examined and discussed in the context of the relationship to the performance.