Ni/Sn cathode having reduced hydrogen overvoltage

摘要

Disclosed is a cathode comprising an active layer composed of a nickel/tin alloy having a nickel content of 25 to 99% by weight, which is formed on the surface of an electrically conductive electrode substrate. When this cathode is used for generating hydrogen by the electrolysis, the hydrogen overvoltage is controlled to a very low level. This active layer is formed by co-electro-deposition of Ni and Sn from a plating solution containing Ni and Sn ions or by thermal decomposition of a mixture containing a nickel compound and a tin compound.