219 One step electrochemical synthesis of Ni-GO nano composite electrode as a catalyste for ethanol electro oxidation

Development of anode catalysts and catalyst supporting carbonaceous material containing non-precious metal have attracted tremendous attention in the field of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs). Pt and pd have most catalytic activity in EOR, but because of their some disadvantages such as their high cost, application of them in various systems is limited and other metals have been substituted them. Other ways for increasing the catalytic activity of catalysts is using of supports such as carbon Vulcan, carbonized TiO2 nanotube, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon microspheres. It was found that reduced graphene oxide has very intriguing physical properties that suggest it can have a wide variety of applications. In this work we fabricate a Ni-GO catalyst, for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. Graphene oxide was synthesized by oxidation of graphite at room temperature with modified hummer method. Then Nickel and Graphene oxide were electrodeposited on copper surface. We used electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, Chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. By comparing the electrochemical behavior of two synthesized electrode (Ni and Ni-graphene oxide) it can be conclude that Ni-GO can present a better catalytic activity and stability toward EOR, than Ni electrode, at room temperature. This behavior improvement is due to the presence of graphene oxide as a porous base material that can increase the active surface area of electrode.