Ultrasonication assisted synthesis of nickel decorated poly(diphenylamine) composite based modified electrode for high performance methanol electro oxidation

In this present work, a comparatively less expensive and more abundant nickel (Ni) supported on poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA) has been utilized as a potential substitute to noble metal catalyst for methanol oxidation. The hybrid catalyst of nickel over PDPA matrix (Ni@PDPA) was successfully synthesized via ultrasonication method. Average size of nickel catalyst was identified to be 100-200 nm and was analyzed through field emission scanning electron microscopy. The as synthesized Ni@PDPA hybrid catalyst crystalline natures were characterized through X-ray diffraction studies. The nature of bonding was analyzed through Fourier transform-infra red spectroscopy. Ni@PDPA hybrid catalyst gave a peak current density of 1.93 mA/cm(2) at 0.84 V during methanol oxidation reaction. The results obtained proved that Ni@PDPA hybrid catalyst serves to be an efficient electrocatalyst for the application of direct methanol fuel cell.

Automated summary

In this study, a comparatively less expensive and more abundant nickel supported on poly(diphenylamine) (PDPA) hybrid catalyst was successfully synthesized. The results obtained demonstrated that the Ni@PDPA hybrid catalyst exhibited efficient electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation, making it a potential substitute for noble metal catalyst in direct methanol fuel cells.