Hydrothermal Syntheses of NiO−GO Nanocomposite on 3D Nickel Foam as a Support for Pt Nanoparticles and its Superior Electrocatalytic Activity towards Methanol Oxidation

Abstract

AbstractIn this project, Pt/NiO−GO nanocatalyst is grown on nickel foam (NF) and, its catalytic activity towards electrochemical oxidation of methanol in acidic media is studied. The first step is devoted to the synthesis of NiO−GO support by a hydrothermal method. Then Pt nanoparticles (∼34.3 nm) are electrodeposited on this supporting material. Hydrothermal and electrochemical deposition conditions are optimized. Surface of modified NF was inspected for physical characterization and Chemical composition by some techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In the electrochemical section, the catalytic performance of Pt/NiO−GO/NF towards methanol oxidation is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry measurements. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is elected to deliberate charge transfer resistance on the catalyst surface. Mass activity, electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and durability of prepared catalysts are compared with commercial Pt/C. Deliberations prove the superiority of Pt/NiO−GO/NF towards methanol oxidation in acidic media. The Superior quality of synthesized nanocatalyst that is attributed to the synergetic effect of the NiO−GO support material and Pt nanoparticles, indicate that Pt/NiO−GO/NF can be successfully used as the anode in the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).