A study of the electro-catalytic oxidation of methanol on a cobalt hydroxide modified glassy carbon electrode

Recent advancements and prospects in noble and non-noble electrocatalysts for materials methanol oxidation reactions

The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) represents a highly promising alternative power source for small electronics and automobiles due to its low operating temperatures, high efficiency, and energy density. The methanol oxidation process (MOR) constitutes a fundamental chemical reaction occurring at the positive electrode of a DMFC. Pt-based materials serve as widely utilized MOR electrocatalysts in DMFCs. Nevertheless, various challenges, such as sluggish reaction rates, high production costs primarily attributed to the expensive Pt-based catalyst, and the adverse effects of CO poisoning on the Pt catalysts, hinder the commercialization of DMFCs. Consequently, endeavors to identify an alternative catalyst to Pt-based catalysts that mitigate these drawbacks represent a critical focal point of DMFC research. In pursuit of this objective, researchers have developed diverse classes of MOR electrocatalysts, encompassing those derived from noble and non-noble metals. This review paper delves into the fundamental concept of MOR and its operational mechanisms, as well as the latest advancements in electrocatalysts derived from noble and non-noble metals, such as single-atom and molecule catalysts. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of the constraints and prospects of MOR electrocatalysts, encompassing those based on noble metals and those based on non-noble metals, has been undertaken.

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol and Ethanol with 3d-Metal Based Anodic Electrocatalysts in Alkaline Media Using Carbon Based Electrode Assembly

Homogeneous electrocatalytic systems based on readily available, earth-abundant, inexpensive base metals Ni, Co, and Cr have been formulated for the electro-oxidation of alcohols (methanol and ethanol) that constitute a key half-cell component of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). Notably, excellent results were obtained for both methanol as well as ethanol electro-oxidation while operating with a half-cell assembly based on all-non-noble working and counter electrode systems consisting of glassy carbon and graphite rod, respectively. Using NaOH as the supporting electrolyte, Ni/Co/Cr metal salts and their bis(iminopyridine) complexes have been used as anodic electrocatalysts for the alcohol half-cell reactions, and among them, catalytic systems based on Co outperformed the corresponding systems based on Ni and Cr. The system comprising CoCl2.·6H2O [10 mM] + NaOH [6 M] at room temperature emerged as the best electrocatalyst for both methanol [5 M] electro-oxidation (ca. 522.5 ± 13.5 mA cm-2 at 1.4 V) and ethanol [5 M] electro-oxidation (ca. 209 ± 25 mA cm-2 at 1.34 V). It was observed that regardless of the starting alcohol, the end product is carbon dioxide, all of which gets trapped as sodium carbonate (up to 97% yield), thereby mitigating any possible hazards of greenhouse gas emission. Inferences obtained from FETEM, FESEM, and EDS analysis of both the electrolyte solution and residues deposited on the electrode surface provide evidence for the mostly homogeneous nature of the reaction mixture with the molecular catalyst being the major contributor toward the electrocatalytic activity apart from the minor role played by trace heterogeneous particles. The current cell assembly operating with non-noble working and counter electrodes utilizing a catalytic system based on an earth-abundant, base metal salt/complex that not only results in good half-cell current densities for high-energy power-source DAFCs but also generates high-value sodium carbonate offers an exciting avenue.

Hybridization of Co3S4 and Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for High-performance Nonenzymatic Sensing of H2O2

The development of efficient H₂O₂ sensors is crucial because of their multiple functions inside and outside the biological system and the adverse effects that a higher concentration can cause. This work reports a highly sensitive and selective non-enzymatic electrochemical H₂O₂ sensor achieved through the hybridization of Co₃S₄ and graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCNNS). The Co₃S₄ is synthesized via a hydrothermal method, and the bulk g-C₃N₄ (b-GCN) is prepared by the thermal polycondensation of melamine. The as-prepared b-GCN is exfoliated into nanosheets using solvent exfoliation, and the composite with Co₃S₄ is formed during nanosheet formation. Compared to the performances of pure components, the hybrid structure demonstrates excellent electroreduction towards H₂O₂. We investigate the H₂O₂-sensing performance of the composite by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and amperometry. As an amperometric sensor, the Co₃S₄/GCNNS exhibits high sensitivity over a broad linear range from 10 nM to 1.5 mM H₂O₂ with a high detection limit of 70 nM and fast response of 3 s. The excellent electrocatalytic properties of the composite strengthen its potential application as a sensor to monitor H₂O₂ in real samples. The remarkable enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of the composite for H₂O₂ reduction is attributed to the synergistic effect between Co₃S₄ and GCNNS.

Electrocatalytic performance of NiNH2BDC MOF based composites with rGO for methanol oxidation reaction

Present work comprehensively investigated the electrochemical response of Nickel-2 Aminoterephthalic acid Metal-Organic Framework (NiNH2BDC) and its reduced graphitic carbon (rGO) based hybrids for methanol (CH3OH) oxidation reaction (MOR) in an alkaline environment. In a thorough analysis of a solvothermally synthesized Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and its reduced graphitic carbon-based hybrids, functional groups detection was performed by FTIR, the morphological study by SEM, crystal structure analysis via XRD, and elemental analysis through XPS while electrochemical testing was accomplished by Chronoamperometry (CA), Cyclic Voltametric method (CV), Electrochemically Active Surface Area (EASA), Tafel slope (b), Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Mass Activity, and roughness factor. Among all the fabricated composites, NiNH2BDC MOF/5 wt% rGO hybrid by possessing an auspicious current density (j) of 267.7 mA/cm2 at 0.699 V (vs Hg/HgO), a Tafel slope value of 60.8 mV dec-1, EASA value of 15.7 cm2, and by exhibiting resistance of 13.26 Ω in a 3 M CH3OH/1 M NaOH solution displays grander electrocatalytic activity as compared to state-of-the-art platinum-based electrocatalysts.

NiCo Nanoneedles on 3D Carbon Nanotubes/Carbon Foam Electrode as an Efficient Bi-Functional Catalyst for Electro-Oxidation of Water and Methanol

In this study, we report a 3D structured carbon foam electrode assembled from a bi-functional NiCo catalyst, carbon nanotubes (CNT), and a monolith 3D structured carbon foam (CF) as a highly active and stable electrode for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). When the NiCo@CNTs/CF electrode was used as an anode in OER, after the anodization step, the electrode required a small overpotential of 320 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and demonstrated excellent stability over a long testing time (total 30 h) in 1 M KOH. The as-prepared NiCo@CNTs/CF electrode also exhibited a good performance towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) with high current density, 100 mA cm−2 at 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl, and good stability in 1 M KOH plus 0.5 M CH3OH electrolyte. The NiCo@CNTs/CF catalyst/electrode provides a potential for application as an anode in water electrolysis and direct methanol fuel cells.

Nanosheet Synthesis of Mixed Co3O4/CuO via Combustion Method for Methanol Oxidation and Carbon Dioxide Reduction

This paper represents a study of mixed Co₃O₄/CuO nanosheet (NS) synthesis via solution combustion synthesis for oxidation of methanol and carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion. The mixed oxide NS of Co₃O₄/CuO is a hybrid structure of Co₃O₄ and CuO NSs. We applied this mixed oxide NS of Co₃O₄/CuO for methanol oxidation and carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion, and the results revealed that the activity of the mixed oxide NS surpassed the activity of the corresponding individual Co₃O₄ and CuO metal oxide NSs, both in methanol oxidation and in CO₂ conversion. The mass activity of the mixed Co₃O₄/CuO NS produced at 0.627 V versus Ag/AgCl during methanol oxidation (0.5 M) was 12 mA g^-1, which is 2.4 times better than that of Co₃O₄, whose mass activity is 5 mA g^-1, and 4 times better than that of the CuO NS, whose mass activity is 3 mA g^-1. The methanol oxidation peak at 0.62 V versus Ag/AgCl was also more intense than individual oxides. The trend in performance of methanol oxidation follows the order: Co₃O₄/CuO > Co₃O₄ > CuO. In the case of CO₂ reduction, we experienced that our product was formate, and this was proved by formate oxidation (formate is formed as a product during the reduction of CO₂) on the surface of the Pt ring of a rotating ring-disc electrode. Similar to methanol oxidation, Co₃O₄/CuO also showed superior activity in carbon dioxide reduction. It was experienced that at -1.5 V, the current density rises to -24 mA/cm² for the Co₃O₄/CuO NS, that is, 0.6 times that of the CuO NS, which is -15 mA/cm², and 3 times more than that of the Co₃O₄ NS, which is 8 mA/cm². The trend in performance of CO₂ reduction follows the order: Co₃O₄/CuO > CuO > Co₃O₄.

Improvement of the Pseudocapacitive Performance of Cobalt Oxide-Based Electrodes for Electrochemical Capacitors

Cobalt oxide nanopowders are synthesized by the pyrolysis of aerosol particles of water solution of cobalt acetate. Cobalt nanopowder is obtained by subsequent reduction of obtained cobalt oxide by annealing under a hydrogen atmosphere. The average crystallite size of the synthesized porous particles ranged from 7 to 30 nm, depending on the synthesis temperature. The electrochemical characteristics of electrodes based on synthesized cobalt oxide and reduced cobalt oxide are investigated in an electrochemical cell using a 3.5 M KOH solution as the electrolyte. The results of electrochemical measurements show that the electrode based on reduced cobalt oxide (Re-Co3O4) exhibits significantly higher capacity, and lower Faradaic charge–transfer and ion diffusion resistances when compared to the electrodes based on the initial cobalt oxide Co3O4. This observed effect is mainly due to a wide range of reversible redox transitions such as Co(II) ↔ Co(III) and Co(III) ↔ Co(IV) associated with different cobalt oxide/hydroxide species formed on the surface of metal particles during the cell operation; the small thickness of the oxide/hydroxide layer providing a high reaction rate, and also the presence of a metal skeleton leading to a low series resistance of the electrode.

Cu(OH)2 @CoCO3 (OH)2 ·nH2 O Core-Shell Heterostructure Nanowire Array: An Efficient 3D Anodic Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution and Methanol Electrooxidation

A Cu(OH)₂ @CoCO₃ (OH)₂ ·nH₂ O (CCHH) core-shell heterostructure nanowire array acts as robust 3D oxygen evolution reaction catalyst. It needs an overpotential of 270 mV to drive 50 mA cm^-2 in 1.0 m KOH, outperforming CCHH nanowire arrays on copper foam and most reported Co-based oxygen evolution reaction catalysts in alkaline media. It is also efficient for methanol electrooxidation.

Electrochemical growth of Co(OH)2 nanoflakes on Ni foam for methanol electro-oxidation

Co(OH)₂ nanoflakes directly grown on Ni foam using an electrodeposition route exhibit a promising performance for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol.

Gaseous trichloroethylene removal using an electrochemically generated homogeneous low-valent ligand-free Co(I) electrocatalyst by electro-scrubbing

The interest in heterogeneous Co(OH)2 electrocatalysts for energy applications has increased steadily. This study focused on a ligand-free homogeneous electrocatalyst for the degradation of gaseous trichloroethylene (TCE) in NaOH in a divided electrolytic cell. The initial electrolysis results revealed a change in the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of [Co(II)(OH)4](2-) (Co(II)) from -267 mV to -800 mV on anodized Ti during electrolytic reduction identifies low-valent homogeneous [Co(I)(OH)4](3-)(Co(I)) formation in 10 M NaOH. Cyclic voltammetry analysis of Co(II) at different anodized electrodes, Ag, carbon and Ti, in a 10 M NaOH solution, showed no stripping like peak in the reverse scan only the Ti electrode, supporting the formation of low-valent Co(I). UV-vis spectral analysis of the electrolyzed solution showed an enhanced peak corresponding to metal-to-ligand transition, demonstrates Co(I) formation. Co(II) reduction reached a maximum yield of 18% at 30 mA cm(-2) on an anodized Ti cathode. For gaseous TCE removal, continuous mode electro-scrubbing was adopted and degradation was monitored using an online FTIR gas analyzer that showed 99.75% degradation of TCE in the presence of homogeneous Co(I). Three consecutive regenerations of Co(I) and degradation steps of TCE confirmed the possibility of industrial applications in a sustainable manner.

Longitudinal Hierarchy Co3O4 Mesocrystals with High-dense Exposure Facets and Anisotropic Interfaces for Direct-Ethanol Fuel Cells

Novel electrodes are needed for direct ethanol fuel cells with improved quality. Hierarchical engineering can produce catalysts composed of mesocrystals with many exposed active planes and multi-diffused voids. Here we report a simple, one-pot, hydrothermal method for fabricating Co₃O₄/carbon/substrate electrodes that provides control over the catalyst mesocrystal morphology (i.e., corn tubercle pellets or banana clusters oriented along nanotube domains, or layered lamina or multiple cantilevered sheets). These morphologies afforded catalysts with a high density of exposed active facets, a diverse range of mesopores in the cage interior, a window architecture, and vertical alignment to the substrate, which improved efficiency in an ethanol electrooxidation reaction compared with a conventional platinum/carbon electrode. On the atomic scale, the longitudinally aligned architecture of the Co₃O₄ mesocrystals resulted in exposed low- and high-index single and interface surfaces that had improved electron transport and diffusion compared with currently used electrodes.

In Situ Generated Platinum Catalyst for Methanol Oxidation via Electrochemical Oxidation of Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Anion in Ionic Liquids at Anaerobic Condition

The bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion is widely used as an ionic liquid anion due to its electrochemical stability and wide electrochemical potential window at aerobic conditions. Here we report an innovative strategy by directly oxidizing bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion to form a radical electrocatalyst on platinum electrode at anaerobic condition. The in situ generated radical catalyst was shown to catalytically and selectively promote the electrooxidation of methanol to form methoxyl radical, in which the formation potential was drastically decreased with the existence of bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide radical. The electrochemically generated radical catalyst not only facilitates the oxidation of methanol but also provides good selectivity. The unique double layer structure of the 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Bmpy][NTf₂]) likely excludes the diffusion of larger molar mass molecules onto the electrode surface and enables the highly selective methanol oxidation at this IL-electrode interface. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments were used to systematically characterize the details of the electrochemical processes with and without methanol in several other ILs, and a mechanism of the chemical and redox processes was proposed. This study provides a promising new approach for utilizing the unique properties of ionic liquids not only as solvents and electrolytes but also as the medium for in situ generation of electrocatalysts to promote methanol redox reactions for practical applications.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of cobalt oxide nanocube intercalated reduced graphene oxide for supercapacitor application

We investigated different molar concentrations of cobalt precursor intercalated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as possible electrode materials for supercapacitors.

A cobalt nanoparticle ion-implantation-modified indium tin oxide electrode for direct electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline media

SEM images of the CoNPs/ITO electrode (A), and the CoNPs/ITO electrode exhibits a good electrocatalytic ability and stability towards direct methanol oxidation in alkaline medium (B, C and D).

Physioelectrochemical and DFT investigation of metal oxide/p-type conductive polymer nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol

Poly tyramine–NiO as an efficient electrocatalyst was prepared by in situ electropolymerization of tyramine in the presence of the SDS under ultrasonic irradiation.

Monodisperse FePt nanoparticles as highly active electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

Monodisperse face-centered tetragonal (fct) FePt nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a new and facile approach based on a reverse microemulsion method, which exhibited high electrocatalytic activity in methanol oxidation.

Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of cobalt oxide nanocubes incorporating reduced graphene oxide as a modified platinum electrode for methanol oxidation

Cobalt oxide nanocubes incorporating reduced graphene oxide were prepared by a hydrothermal method and used for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol.

Direct growth of NiCo2O4 nanostructures on conductive substrates with enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability for methanol oxidation

In this report, NiCo2O4 nanostructures with different morphologies were directly grown on conductive substrates (stainless steel and ITO) by a facile electrodeposition method in addition to a post-annealing process. The morphology changes on different conductive substrates are discussed in detail. The NiCo2O4 on stainless steel (SS) had a high surface area (119 m(2) g(-1)) and was successfully used in the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. The electrocatalytic performance was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Impressively, the NiCo2O4 showed much higher electrocatalytic activity, lower overpotential and greater stability compared to that of only NiO or Co3O4 synthesized by the same method. The higher electrocatalytic activity is due to the high electron conductivity, large surface area of NiCo2O4 and the fast ion/electron transport in the electrode and at the electrolyte-electrode interface. This is important for further development of high performance non-platinum electrocatalysts for application in direct methanol fuel cells.

Catalytic Activity of Tetranitro-Copper Phthalocyanine Supported on Carbon Nanotubes towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Acid-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (AF-MWCNT)-supported tetranitro-copper phthalocyanine (TNCuPc) assemblies were prepared by solid phase synthesis method. The products were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and XRD. The electrocatalytic activity of the obtained AF-MWCNT-supported TNCuPc assemblies was measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) techniques in an oxygen-saturated 0.1 M KOH. The results showed that the catalytic activity of TNCuPc/AF-MWCNTs towards oxygen reduction was a two-step, two-electron process for oxygen reduction.