Synthesis of Modified Nickel-Cobalt Electrodes on Reduced Graphene Oxide and its Characterization by Scanning Electron Mmicroscopy and Voltammetric Techniques

The electrodes based on metal nanostructures can be used as catalysts in differentapplications like fuel cells. Catalysts made of bimetallic nanoparticles are superior comparedwith those made of pure metals, in terms of activity, selectivity, stability, and resistance topoisoning [1]. For example, bimetallic nanoparticles are preferred heterogeneous catalysts inpetroleum reforming processes [2]. It is well established that among different metals, nickelbecause of its surface oxidation properties can be used as a good catalyst. This metal iscommonly used as an electro-catalyst for both anodic and cathodic reactions in organic synthesis,water electrolysis and oxidation of alcohols [3]. On the other hand, graphene is a substance withgood electrical properties, which can be used in different catalysts.Therefore, in this work, a novel Ni-Co bimetallic structure on reduced graphene oxide(RGO) is constructed. At first RGO is synthesized chemically and then it was used formodification of a carbon paste electrode (CPE). A two-step electrochemically deposition of Coand Ni on the modified electrode was used for preparing the final Ni-Co-RGO electrode. Theobtained catalyst (Ni-Co/RGO/CPE) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy andenergy dispersive x-ray analysis. Also the electrochemical properties of different electrodes arecompared by cyclic voltammetry. The transfer coefficient and charge transfer rate constant wereobtained for Ni-Co/RGO/CPE as 0.58 and 0.57 s-1, respectively.

کلیدواژه ها:

Electrocatalyst ، Voltammetry ، Nanostructured Electrode ، Bimetallic Nanoparticles