Ni-WC nanoparticles/carbon aerogel electrocatalytic electrode for methanol and urea electrooxidation

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells and direct urea fuel cells are significant for mitigating the energy crisis and protecting the environment. However, as the common critical anodes for the electrooxidation of methanol and urea, most Ni-based catalysts are severely poisoned by the CO group, resulting in a decrease in current densities and stability of fuel cells. Herein, efficient bacterial cellulose (BC)-derived carbon aerogel loaded with Ni-based catalyst and WC nanoparticles co-catalyst was developed for the electrooxidation of methanol and urea. As a result, the catalytic electrode exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for methanol electrooxidation (105.7 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V) and urea electrooxidation (90.4 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V). The synergistic effect between Ni and WC can significantly weaken the surface adsorption of CO on the electrode to obtain excellent and durable electrochemical performance. For methanol oxidation reaction and urea oxidation reaction, the retentions of the peak current density after 2000 cycles in the original electrolytes are 48.94% and 74.79%, respectively. Moreover, applying the new electrolyte, the peak current density can return to 88.42% and 84.4% of the original value.