Facile Synthesis of Ni-Based Catalysts by Adsorption and Conversion of Metal Ions on Graphene Oxide for Methanol Oxidation

Abstract

Controllable synthesis of highly dispersed non-precious nanocatalysts is an attractive strategy to prepare efficient electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications. In this study, a facile synthesis of Ni-based mono- and bimetallic nanocatalysts has been developed by adsorption and conversion of metal ions on graphene oxide. The morphology and composition of Ni catalyst are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties of Ni catalysts are studied using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. The catalytic performance can be improved easily by increasing the adsorption and deposition cycles of metal ions and changing the composition of precursor metal ions solution. This work will be of general interest to design efficient nanostructured catalysts and find ideal electrocatalysts for application with high catalytic performance and low price.