Ultrasonication-assisted Synthesis of Nickel Tungstate Decorated on Polydimethoxyaniline Nanocomposite Catalyst for Potential Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Application

Abstract

DMFC has various advantages as a promising energy source. The present study demonstrates a simple and facile synthesis of poly 2,5 dimethoxy aniline (PDMA), nickel tungstate (NiWO4), and, nickel tungstate over poly 2,5 dimethoxy aniline (NiWO4@PDMA electrocatalyst) by ultrasonication strategy in the field of electro-oxidation of methanol in alkaline condition. The morphology of the modified electrode was studied by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, the molecular vibrational studies were done through fourier transformation-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and crystalline nature was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The electrochemical behavior was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance studies, and chronoamperometric experiments. NiWO4 and NiWO4@PDMA electrocatalyst gave an electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) value of 2.83 cm2/g and 5.90 cm2/g respectively. NiWO4@PDMA electrocatalyst modified electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity, longer stability, and durability (60 min), with 90 % cyclic retention. The results attained showed that the NiWO4@PDMA electrocatalyst is a better alternative for efficient methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in the area of fuel cells.