Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of Pt nanoparticles immobilized on novel electrospun PVA@Ni/NiO/Cu complex bio-nanofiber/chitosan based on Calotropis procera plant for methanol electro-oxidation

Bioinspired Ni/NiO nanocomposite was synthesized in the Calotropis procera wood and its size and structure were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The green and environmental friendly approach was performed for the preparation of copper nanocomplex (CC) under ultrasonic irradiation. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nano-biofibers containing Ni/NiO nanocomposite and copper nanocomplex were obtained by electrospinning method. This novel bio nanocomposite was character-ized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), TEM, and atomic force mi-croscopy (AFM) for further investigation. Novel Pt/PVA@Ni/NiO/Cu nanocomplex/chitosan (Pt/PVA@NOCC/CH) was synthesized and its catalytic performance was studied towards methanol electro-oxidation. Pt/PVA@NOCC/CH catalyst exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic performance towards methanol oxidation (MO), compared to Pt/PVA/CH and Pt/PVA@-NOCC with respect to its better stability, larger electrochemically active surface area, enhanced mass activity, and improved resistance to poisoning. By and large, Pt/PVA@NOCC/CH is known as a promising electrocatalyst for fuel cells. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A bioinspired Ni/NiO nanocomposite was synthesized in Calotropis procera wood and characterized by TEM and XRD. PVA nano-biofibers containing Ni/NiO nanocomposite and copper nanocomplex were obtained by electrospinning, showing enhanced electrocatalytic performance towards methanol oxidation. The Pt/PVA@NOCC/CH catalyst exhibits promising catalytic performance for fuel cells, with better stability and improved resistance to poisoning.