Electrocatalytic oxidation of methane at nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrode in alkaline solution

Nickel hydroxide modified nickel electrodes prepared by cycling the potential of a nickel electrode in alkaline solution exhibited electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of methane in alkaline media. In the presence of methane the oxidation peak current of nickel hydroxide increases while that of the reverse process decreases. This is attributed to the mediation of nickel species, probably beta-NiOOH phase, in the process of electrocatalysis. The mechanism of methane oxidation has also been discussed in terms of the formations of intermediates normally encountered in small organics electro-oxidation. It has also been suggested that in the further oxidation of the intermediates, ions in the solution or anion vacancies in the solid phase of nickel hydroxide are probably involved. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.