Electrodeposited Co–Mn–Sn multicomponent alloy as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

Despite having exciting material characteristics, the potential of multi-component alloys (MCAs) as electrocatalysts has not been fully realized. In this work, efficient binary and ternary MCA electrocatalysts containing inexpensive metals like Co, Mn and Sn have been prepared via the electrodeposition process. When tested for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline medium, ternary Co–Mn–Sn alloy displayed enhanced activity with the lowest overpotential of 136 mV, a Tafel slope of 111 mV dec−1 and a very low charge transfer resistance, making it superior to the binary alloys (Co–Mn and Co–Sn), or the single metal catalysts (Co, Mn and Sn). The ternary alloy also displayed high electrochemical and structural stability, making it a viable electrocatalyst for the hydrogen economy.