Ni(OH)2-electrochemically reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as anode electrocatalyst for direct ethanol fuel cell in alkaline media

Abstract

In this study, synthesis of nickel hydroxide-electrochemically reduced graphene oxide on Au electrode (Ni(OH)(2)/ ERGO/Au) was carried out by one-pot electmdeposition process. The as-prepared electrodes were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping analysis.The Ni(OH)(2)/ERGO/Au electrode possessed high specific surface area and sheet-like morphology useful as an electrocatalyst for ethanol fuel cells. The Ni(OH)(2)/ERGO/Au exhibited the higher current density (similar to 5.2 mA cm(-2)). Due to the excellent electrocatalytic activity and highly stable response of the Ni(OH)(2)/ERGO/Au, it can be used as a very promising electrocatalyst in direct ethanol fuel cells.