Au nano dendrites/composition optimized Nd-dopped cobalt oxide as an efficient electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation

In this study, Nd-doped cobalt oxide (Nd-Co۳O۴) nanoparticles were prepared by a combustion synthesis procedure using Co(acac)۳ complex. The nanoparticles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Then, the effect of Nd-Co۳O۴ on the electrocatalytic activity of gold nanodendrites (AuNDs) electrodeposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for ethanol oxidation was studied. The results showed that the Nd-Co۳O۴/AuNDs/GCE presents higher active surface area and current density (about ۲ times) for the ethanol oxidation compared with the AuNDs/GCE.  Cyclic voltammetry and chrono-potentiometry methods proved that the Nd-Co۳O۴/AuNDs/GCE is able to increase a long-term stability of electrode in alkaline ethanol fuel cell by providing OHads species at the surface of the catalysts. Consequently, the Nd-Co۳O۴/AuNDs/GCE, as an anodic electrode, reveals potent catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.

کلیدواژه ها:

Nd-doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles ، ethanol oxidation ، alkaline fuel cells ، Au nano dendrites