Facile synthesis of N-doped hollow carbon nanospheres wrapped with transition metal oxides nanostructures as non-precious catalysts for the electro-oxidation of hydrazine

Ultrawide Hydrazine Concentration Monitoring Sensor Comprising Ir-Ni Nanoparticles Decorated with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in On-Site Alkaline Fuel Cell Operation

A highly sensitive amperometric hydrazine monitoring sensor offering an ultrawide dynamic range of 5 μM to 1 M in alkaline media (e. g., 1 M KOH) was developed via co-electrodepositing iridium-nickel alloy nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Ir-Ni-MWCNTs) on a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode. The synergistic interaction of MWCNTs with Ir-Ni alloy NPs resulted in enlarged active surface area, rapid electron transfer, and alkaline media stability with an onset potential of -0.12 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) toward hydrazine oxidation. A limit of detection for hydrazine was 0.81 μM with guaranteed reproducibility, repeatability, and storage stability alongside a superb selectivity toward ethanolamine, urea, dopamine, NaBH₄ , NH₄ OH, NaNO₂ , and Na₂ CO₃ . The sensor was finally applied to on-site monitoring of the carbon-free hydrazine concentration at the anode and cathode of a hydrazine fuel cell, providing more insight into the hydrazine oxidation process during cell operation.

Alumina supported copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO/Al2O3) as high-performance electrocatalysts for hydrazine oxidation reaction

Direct hydrazine liquid fuel cell (DHFC) is perceived as effectual energy generating mean owing to high conversion efficiency and energy density. However, the development of well-designed, cost effective and high performance electrocatalysts is the paramount to establish DHFCs as efficient energy generating technology. Herein, gamma alumina supported copper oxide nanocatalysts (CuO/Al₂O₃) are synthesized via impregnation method and investigated for their electrocatalytic potential towards hydrazine oxidation reaction. CuO with different weight percentages i.e., 4%, 8%, 12%, 16% and 20% are impregnated on gamma alumina support. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the cubic crystal structure and nanosized particles of the prepared metal oxides. Transmission electron microscopy also referred to the cubic morphology and nanoparticle formation. Electrochemical oxidation potential of the CuO/Al₂O₃ nanoparticles is explored via cyclic voltammetry as the analytical tool. Optimization of conditions and electrocatalytic studies shown that 16% CuO/Al₂O₃ presented the best electronic properties towards N₂H₂ oxidation reaction. BET analysis ascertained the high surface area (131.2546 m² g¹) and large pore diameter (0.279605 cm³ g^-1) for 16% CuO/Al₂O₃. Nanoparticle formation, high porosity and enlarged surface area of the proposed catalysts resulted in significant oxidation current output (600 μA), high current density (8.2 mA cm^-2) and low charge transfer resistance (3.7 kΩ). Electrooxidation of hydrazine on such an affordable and novel electrocatalyst opens a gateway to further explore the metal oxide impregnated alumina materials for different electrochemical applications.

Highly efficient metal-free ethylenediamine-functionalized fullerene (EDA@C60) electrocatalytic system for enhanced hydrogen generation from hydrazine hydrate

Ethylenediamine functionalized C60 (EDA@C60) based electrocatalyst demonstrated for hydrazine oxidation and it shows more than double current density i.e. 20 mA cm−2 at an ultralow onset potential of 0.2 V vs. SCE with better stability over oxidized C60.

Three-dimensional Nanoporous Cu-Doped Ni Coating as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Hydrazine Sensing and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Developing a cost-effective and efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst with simple synthesis strategy for hydrazine sensing and H evolution reaction (HER) is of utmost importance. Herein, a three-dimensional porous Cu-doped metallic Ni coating on Ti mesh (Ni(Cu) coating/TM) was successfully electrodeposited by a facile electrochemical method. Electrochemical etching of the electrodeposited Ni(Cu) coating with metallic Ni and Cu mixed phase on a Ti mesh contributed to the formation of a three-dimensional porous Cu-doped metallic Ni coating. Owing to the large specific surface area and enhanced electroconductivity caused by the porous structure and Cu doping, respectively, the developed Ni(Cu) coating/TM exhibited superior hydrazine sensing performance and electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Ni(Cu) coating/TM electrode presented a good sensitivity of 3909μA mM^-1cm^-2and two relatively broad linear ranges from 0.004 mM to 2.915 mM and from 2.915 mM to 5.691 mM as well as a low detection limit of 1.90μM. In addition, the Ni(Cu) coating/TM required a relatively low HER overpotential of 140 mV to reach -10 mA cm^-2and exhibited robust durability in alkaline solution. The excellent hydrazine electrooxidation and HER performance guarantee its promising application in hydrazine detection and energy conversion.