The active surface of the 3D nickel foam electrodes was prepared by electrodeposition. Nickel-based metallic nanocoatings were deposited on pure nickel foam. Optimum parameters of the electrodeposition were found using the central composite rotatable design optimisation method. Pure nickel foam, electrodeposited nickel, and Ni-W coatings on the foam were tested for the load and stability measurements by zero-gap alkaline water electrolysis. It was found that Ni-W surface layer was superior to the nickel coating. This can be explained by a higher amount of active sites due to W content. [GRAPHICS] .