Ultrasound assisted formation of Al–Ni electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution

High intensity ultrasound treatment has been used to generate electrocatalytically active (toward hydrogen evolution) surface on AlNi (50 wt.% Ni) alloy particles. Acoustic cavitation is responsible for the initiation of redox processes on the catalyst surface leading to changes in its composition. Cavitation impact on the surface composition of the metal alloy could be controlled by manipulating the sonication medium during ultrasound treatment. Evaluation of electrocatalytic performance, as well as surface composition studies of ultrasonically generated catalysts showed the advantageous use of sonication medium with reducing ability and high vapor pressure for the generation of highly efficient interface on Al–Ni alloy particles for water splitting reaction.