please see the links[1,2] with similar to your (Ni based) nanomaterial. They might be helpful since they discuss actually the same onset potential[1] of about 0.35V (vs. SCE), related to gases evolution.
1. see Fig. 6 in : Electrodeposition of Ni–Mo alloy coatings and their characterization as cathodes for hydrogen evolution in sodium hydroxide solution http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319908004680
2. Electrodeposition of Ni/Ni(OH)2 Catalytic Films for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Produced by using Cyclic Voltammetry http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/celc.201600572/abstract;jsessionid=3BCD72EF572DEB66BF820EF63222753E.f04t01