Abstract
Bimetallic Cu3.8Ni alloy nanoparticles (NPs)-anchored carbon nanofibers (composite NFs) were synthesized using a simple electrospinning machine. XRD, SEM, TEM, and TGA were employed to examine the physiochemical characteristics of these composite NFs. The characterization techniques proved that Cu3.8Ni alloy NPs-anchored carbon NFs were successfully fabricated. Urea oxidation (UO) processes as a source of hydrogen and electrical energy were investigated using the fabricated composite NFs. The corresponding onset potential of UO and the oxidation current density (OCD) were measured via cyclic voltammetry as 380 mV versus Ag/AgCl electrode and 98 mA/cm2, respectively. Kinetic study indicated that the electrochemical oxidation of urea followed the diffusion controlled process and the reaction order is 0.5 with respect to urea concentration. The diffusion coefficient of urea using the introduced electrocatalyst was found to be 6.04 × 10−3 cm2/s. Additionally, the composite NFs showed steady state stability for 900 s using chronoamperometry test.
Highlights
Many valuable characteristics are detected during the application of urea in industrial fields, including its low cost, solid-state at room temperature, high chemical stability, nonflammability, nontoxicity and easy handling and transportation [1,2,3,4,5]
Reduced overpotential and high oxidation current density (OCD) levels were achieved from increased active surface areas using adjustable dimensional frameworks of nanocarbon support
After performing the calcination step, as it is illustrated in Figure 1C, the structure shows multilayered nanofibers with entanglement network structures without interconnections of specific directions
Summary
Many valuable characteristics are detected during the application of urea in industrial fields, including its low cost, solid-state at room temperature, high chemical stability, nonflammability, nontoxicity and easy handling and transportation [1,2,3,4,5]. While introduced nickel electrocatalysts have exhibited good catalytic activity for anodic reactions, these activities remain too limited for market introduction. Reduced overpotential and high oxidation current density (OCD) levels were achieved from increased active surface areas using adjustable dimensional frameworks of nanocarbon support (e.g., carbon nanotubes and carbon sheets). This may support effective electrocatalytic activities during several organic materials oxidation reactions [6,11,21]. Little work has been examined effects of the incorporation of copper, nickel, and carbon as electrocatalysts for urea fuel cells. Chronoamperometry tests reveal its stable performance after 900 s
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
