A non-noble metal polymeric composite as the cost-effective catalyst in methanol fuel cell

In the modern world, the novel, ecological, economical, and renewable energy sources are the essential requirements. In this aspect, direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is an acceptable alternative. The poisoning of the anode that cause poor kinetics of methanol oxidation is a barrier in the DMFC spread employing. The modification of the anode surface is preferential treatment. In this aspect, the development of modified anodes with polymeric composite, non-noble metal with the controlled morphology and size distribution embedded in a conducting polymer matrix, due to high electrical conductivity, porosity, and chemical stability are effective remedies. In this work, we covered the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface up with the carbon nanotube (CNT) for the production of a useful substrate for polymeric layer. The polymeric film was formed by 15 consecutive cycles at a sweep rate of 50 mV.s-1 in the potential range of -0.5-1.5 V vs. Ag/ AgCl in the sodium diphenylamine-4-sulfonate (DPA) solution as the precursor. To the incorporation of Ni ions and formation of the polymeric composite, 15 repeated cyclic voltammetry at the sweep rate of 100 mV.s-1 in the potential range of 0-1 V vs. Ag/ AgCl were performed in the NiSO4 solution. Surface characterization of synthesized electrocatalyst (Ni-p-DPA/ CNT/ GCE) were investigated by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS). Electrochemical performance of Ni-p-DPA/ CNT/ GCE in the alkaline media indicates improvement modified GCE towards methanol oxidation. The catalyst stability was studied by chronoamperometry, and highly stable response of catalyst in methanol fuel cell was concluded. This study proposes Ni-p-DPA/ CNT/ GCE as the appropriate anode in methanol fuel cell.