Electrocatalytic behavior of nickel impregnated zeolite electrode

In order to enhance nickel effectiveness for methanol oxidation reaction, zeolite type 13X was used as a support for nickel nanodispersion. Nickel modified samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. The incorporation of nickel into zeolite cavities led to the partial destruction of the zeolite framework. Modified zeolite was used as the electrode material for methanol oxidation in a deaerated 0.1 M NaOH aqueous solution. It showed similar electrochemical behavior to that of polycrystalline nickel. The destruction of zeolite structure probably enabled aluminum from the framework to stabilize α-Ni(OH)2. Mixture of β- and γ-NiOOH was obtained at the 13XNi100 electrode after cycling in alkaline solution. It was concluded from the electrochemical measurements that β-NiOOH was preferable oxide form for methanol oxidation.