Integrative Ni@Pd‐Ni Alloy Nanowire Array Electrocatalysts Boost Hydrazine Oxidation Kinetics

Abstract

AbstractOwing to the oxophilic property of Ni catalysts and their sluggish kinetics toward the hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR), an ultra‐low amount of Pd is incorporated with Ni to form integrative Ni@Pd−Ni alloy nanowire array electrocatalysts by using templated electrodeposition and subsequent galvanic replacement. The morphology, crystalline structure, and composition of the as‐prepared catalysts are characterized by using FESEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and ICP. The electrochemical evaluation shows that the onset potential of the Ni@Pd−Ni alloy nanowire arrays for HzOR is −0.99 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which is significantly lowered by 800 mV than that for the Ni nanowire arrays. Two possible factors contribute to the robust HzOR kinetics: 1) the metallization of Ni by the PdHx; 2) the heterogeneous catalytic pathway on the Pd−Ni alloy. Furthermore, the innovative structure also endows Ni@Pd−Ni alloy nanowire arrays with considerable durability, indicating it as a promising anode electrocatalyst for HzOR‐assisted hydrogen production and simultaneous hydrazine‐containing sewage treatment.