CVD Graphene Modified with Au Nanoparticles As Electrocatalysts for Sodium Borohydride and Hydrazine Oxidation

Abstract

In the present study, the commercially available CVD graphene-Ni/SiO2/Si (Graphene-Supermarket) template was used as a substrate for the deposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The immersion of the CVD graphene into the 1 mM HAuCl4 solution at a temperature of 25 oC for 1 min results in the deposition of AuNPs on the surface of the CVD graphene-Ni/SiO2/Si. The surface morphology and structure as well as composition of the prepared catalysts were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The electrocatalytic activity of the AuNPs modified CVD graphene-Ni/SiO2/Si catalyst was evaluated for the oxidation of sodium borohydride and hydrazine using cyclic voltammetry and chrono-techniques. It was found that the CVD graphene-Ni/SiO2/Si modified with AuNPs exhibits a significantly higher electrocatalytic efficiency for sodium borohydride and hydrazine oxidation as compared with that of pure CVD graphene-Ni/SiO2/Si electrode, and seems to be a promising anode material for direct borohydride and hydrazine fuel cells.