Electrosynthesis of hierarchical Cu2O-Cu(OH)2 nanodendrites supported on carbon nanofibers/poly(para-phenylenediamine) nanocomposite as high-efficiency catalysts for methanol electrooxidation

The development of highly efficient catalysts using inexpensive and earth-abundant metals is a crucial factor in a large-scale commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this study, we explored a new catalyst based on copper nanodendrites (CuNDs) supported on carbon nanofibers/poly (para-phenylenediamine) (CNF/PpPD) nanocomposite for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The catalyst support was prepared on a carbon paste electrode by electropolymerization of para-phenylenediamine monomer on a drop cast carbon nanofibers network. Afterwards, CuNDs were electrodeposited on the nano composite through a potentiostatic method. The morphology and the structure of the prepared nanomaterials were characterized by transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The results suggested that a three-dimensional nanodendritic structure consisting of Cu2O and Cu(OH)(2) formed on the hybrid CNF/PpPD nanocomposite. The catalytic performance of CuNDs supported on CNF, PpPD and CNF/PpPD was evaluated for MOR under alkaline conditions. The CNF/PpPD/CuNDs exhibits a highest activity (50 mA cm(-2)) and stability toward MOR over 6 h, with respect to CNF/CuNDs (40 mA cm(-2)) and PpPD/CuNDs (36 mA cm(-2)). This inexpensive catalyst with high catalytic activity and stability is a promising anode catalyst for alkaline DMFC applications. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a new catalyst based on CuNDs supported on CNF/PpPD nanocomposite for methanol oxidation reaction was successfully developed, showing high catalytic activity and stability under alkaline conditions. This inexpensive catalyst exhibited the highest activity and stability compared to CNF/CuNDs and PpPD/CuNDs, making it a promising anode catalyst for alkaline DMFC applications.