Ni-Ti-O Nanotube Arrays Supported Nano-Ni(OH)2 Electrode for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol

Abstract:

Ni-Ti-O nanotube arrays (NTOs) were fabricated by the anodized Ni-Ti alloy and then annealed under hydrogen atmosphere at 500oC for 2hours. The Ni(OH)2/NTOs electrodes were prepared by a convenient impregnating method. The FESEM, XPS and CV will be used to characterize the microstructure, surface electronic states and catalytic performance of Ni(OH)2/NTOs. The effect of the process factors such as impregnation time and concentration of Ni2+ on catalytic activity were investigated. The results show that with prolonging impregnation time and increasing concentration of Ni2+, the catalsty partical size gradually increase and the peak current denstiny firstly increase and then decrese. When the Ni-Ti-O NTs is impregnated in 0.2M NiCl2?6H2O ethanol solution and 0.2M NH4OH ethanol solution 12h in sequence at 25oC,the resulting sample has the best catalytic performance and its peak current density is 38.41 mA?cm-2. Meanwhile, the peak current density of Ni(OH)2/NTOs remain 75% of original value after a consecutive sweep for 1000 times, indicating the excellent lcyclic stability. The Ni(OH)2/NTOs should a promising electrocatalytic electrode for direct methanol fuel cells.