Template-assisted synthesis of Ni-Co bimetallic nanowires for urea electrocatalytic oxidation

Nickel-cobalt bimetallic nanowire electrocatalyts (NCNE), synthesized through anodic aluminium oxide templates, were evaluated for urea electro-oxidation in alkaline medium for their applications in wastewater remediation, hydrogen production, and fuel cells. Compared to bulk nickel film electrocatalysts (NFE), the NCNE resulted in a ca. 110 mV decrease in the overpotential of urea electro-oxidation. In addition, the NCNE exhibited higher oxidation current density and current efficiency for urea electrolysis than those of NFE and nickel-cobalt bimetallic film electrocatalysts (NCFE). The maximum current efficiency for urea electro-oxidation on the NCNE reached up to 81 %, which is similar to 25 % higher than those of the NFE and NCFE.