Electro-codeposition of Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite coatings from deep eutectic solvent with improved corrosion resistance

•Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite coatings were prepared in deep eutectic solvents without any additives.•DES is more beneficial for the co-deposition of SiO2 nanoparticles than aqueous electrolyte.•The addition of SiO2 changed the composition and morphology of the Ni coatings.•The corrosion resistance of Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite coating is much better than that of pure Ni.