Au nano dendrites / Nd-Co3O4 nanoparticles modified glassy carbon as an efficient electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation

In this study, Nd-doped cobalt oxide (Nd-Co3O4) nanoparticles were prepared by a combustion synthesis procedure using Co(acac)3 complex. The nanoparticles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Then, the effect of Nd-Co3O4 on the electrocatalytic activity of gold nanodendrites (AuNDs) electrodeposited on a glassy carbon electrode for ethanol oxidation was studied. The results showed that the AuNDs/Nd-Co3O4/GCE represents higher active surface area and current density (about 2 times) for the ethanol oxidation compared with the AuNDs/GCE. The current density of ethanol oxidation on AuNDs/Nd-Co3O4/GCE is much higher than that on AuNDs/GCE. Cyclic voltammetry and chrono-potentiometry methods proved that the AuNDs/Nd-Co3O4/GCE is able to incresae a long-term stability of electrode in alkaline ethanol fuel cell by providing OHads species at the surface of the catalysts. Consequently, the AuNDs/Nd-Co3O4/GCE as an anodic electrode reveals potent catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.

کلیدواژه ها:

Nd-doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles ، Ethanol oxidation ، Alkaline fuel cells ، Au nano dendrites.