Modification of Surface Morphology and Surface Properties of Copper-Nickel Alloy by Anodic Treatment in a Deep Eutectic Solvent (Ethaline)

Abstract

A deep eutectic solvent, ethaline (as a typical representative of new-generation room temperature ionic liquids), was used to anodically treat the surface of copper-nickel alloy (55 wt.% Cu). Anodic treatment in ethaline allows flexibly affecting the patterns of surface morphology: formation of stellated crystallites and surface smoothing (i.e. electropolishing) are observed depending on the applied electrode potential. The measured values of roughness coefficient ( Ra ) well correlate with the changes in surface morphology. Anodic treatment of Cu-Ni alloy in ethaline contributes to a considerable increase in the electrocatalytic activity towards the hydrogen evolution reaction in an alkaline aqueous medium, which can be used to develop new high-efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts within the framework of the concept of carbon-free hydrogen economy.

Keywords

• copper-nickel alloy
• anodic treatment
• deep eutectic solvent
• surface morphology
• hydrogen production