Abstract
The high cost of Pt-based electrode materials limits the commercialization of fuel cells and their subsequent application in renewable energy production. It is thus necessary to develop economical, high-performance electrodes alongside biofuels to reduce the pollution associated with the production of energy. Tin dioxide–copper foil (SnO2–Cu) electrode materials are herein developed using an electrodeposition process. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and potentiodynamic polarization methods are used to electrochemically characterize the electrode materials, with the results revealing that their excellent catalytic properties result in them delivering a high current. The surface morphologies of the developed electrodes are examined using scanning electron microscopy, with the results showing that upon an increase in the deposition time, a finer deposit of SnO2 is formed on the surface of the Cu foil. Consequently, electrochemical oxidation using an enhanced surface area of the material leads to it exhibiting a high current and excellent corrosion resistance. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to confirm the successful depositing of SnO2 on the surface of Cu. The fuel cell fabricated using the SnO2–Cu electrode is promising for use in clean energy generation, as it can be prepared at low cost compared to conventionally used electrodes.
Highlights
Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a key material used in photovoltaic cells, lithium batteries, and gas sensors [1,2,3,4,5]
SnO2 was deposited on Cu foil via an electrodeposition process that was carried out for different deposition times
powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results prove the successful formation of a SnO2 film on the Cu foil, where a finer layer can be achieved by increasing the deposition time
Summary
Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a key material used in photovoltaic cells, lithium batteries, and gas sensors [1,2,3,4,5]. The most widely used methods to make deposits of SnO2 are spin coating [6], electrodeposition [7], evaporation [8], chemical vapor deposition [9,10], sol–gel processes [11,12], and the pyrolysis of tin compounds [13] Due to it requiring a low temperature and the high energy that can be generated near electrode surfaces, electrodeposition is an effective process for synthesizing powders and coating films and can be used to prepare complicated surfaces. This technique has been commonly used to prepare metal-based coatings since before 1900 on account of it being inexpensive in terms of both raw materials and equipment. The electrodeposition process was repeated three times for different time periods of 10, 15, and 20 min
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
