Nickel nanowires as effective catalysts for urea electro-oxidation

Urea electrolysis catalyzed by bulk nickel catalysts has revealed great potential in hydrogen production and remediation of urea-rich wastewater. In this study, one-dimensional (1-D) nickel nanowires electrocatalyts (NNE) were developed to enhance the electrocatalytic oxidation of urea. The nanowires were fabricated by electrodeposition assisted with an anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) template. The NNE exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity and higher current efficiency of urea electrolysis than that of bulk nickel film electrocatalysts (NFE). The as-prepared NNE represent a new class of robust catalysts for urea electrolysis, which demonstrates promise for future applications in hydrogen production, fuel cells, and wastewater remediation. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.