Abstract: Ni ZrO₂ composite plating was prepared by composite electrodeposition method, and the change of crystal preferential orientation and lattice parameter of matrix metal Ni caused by ZrO₂ particles and its effect on the hydrogen evolution activity were investigated from the view of interaction between matrix metal and particles. The presence of ZrO₂ particles has significant effect on the crystal structure of electrodeposited matrix metal Ni, and leads to a new crystal preferential orientation along(220)crystal face. This new crystal preferential orientation is unfavorable to the hydrogen evolution reaction. These results show that in the course of electrodeposition, Ni and ZrO₂ particles enter into composite plating in a definite interfacial coupling relation, which is also proved by the data of the change in the lattice parameter of matrix metal Ni.

Key words: Ni-ZrO₂ composite plating, interface, preferential orientation, hydrogen evolution