Production of galvanic alloy FeNiCoMnW as an electrocatalyst for oxygen release

Authors

  • A. Shunaylov South Ural State University
  • Y. Shesterkin South Ural State University
  • E. Korina South Ural State University
  • E. Trofimov South Ural State University

Keywords:

linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrocatalysis, high-entropy alloys

Abstract

One of the key challenges in modern electrochemistry is the search (for the benefit of green energy) for efficient, stable, and cost-effective electrocatalysts for water splitting, capable of replacing expensive platinum, iridium, and ruthenium-based catalysts. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) based on transition metals represent a promising new class of catalysts for water splitting reactions in general and oxygen evolution reactions in particular. This study investigates the properties of electroplated high-entropy alloys as a new class of base metal catalytic materials for oxygen evolution. Alloys based on Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and W were synthesized using electroplating on a copper substrate. The matrix is composed of Fe, Co, and Ni, which are known oxygen evolution catalysts and are stable under long-term conditions. Manganese is known to increase the electrical conductivity of the catalyst, synergizing with cobalt-based alloys to lower the activation energy of the reaction. Tungsten also lowers the reaction energy barrier and significantly increases the electrochemical stability of alloys under anodic polarization conditions. Direct introduction of tungsten into the alloy is difficult, but it can be galvanically co-deposited with iron-group metals. Electrodeposition also allows the production of amorphous alloys with higher catalytic activity than crystalline alloys. The electrocatalytic characteristics (potentials, oxygen evolution overpotentials, and kinetic parameters) were studied using linear potential sweep voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The morphology, elemental composition, and phase structure of the most active coating were analyzed in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive analysis (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (РФА). The results confirm the high electrocatalytic properties of galvanically obtained WES systems containing tungsten and manganese as electrocatalysts for water decomposition.

Author Biographies

A. Shunaylov, South Ural State University

аспирант «Материаловедение и физико-химия материалов»

Y. Shesterkin, South Ural State University

студент магистратуры кафедры «Экология и химическая технология», Институт естественных и точных наук; лаборант-исследователь лаборатории экологических проблем постиндустриальной агломерации

E. Korina, South Ural State University

PhD, старший научный сотрудник Лаборатории экологических проблем постиндустриальной агломерации

E. Trofimov, South Ural State University

доктор химических наук, профессор, кафедра «Материаловедение и физико-химия материалов»

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Published

2026-10-07

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 3 (2026): Bulletin of the South Ural State University. Series "Chemistry"

Section

Physical chemistry