PdNiONF−Borophene Nanocomposite as a Promising Catalyst for Ethanol Electro-Oxidation Reaction

Abstract

An electrocatalyst decorated with nickel oxide nanoflower and borophene (PdNiONF/B) has been presented as a possible catalyst for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline media. The crystal microstructure, composition, and morphology of the product were analyzed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The catalytic activity of the PdNiONF/B for ethanol electrooxidation was assessed by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. PdNiONF/B shows a high current at 0.12 mA as compared to palladium on carbon (Pd/C) and palladium on borophene (Pd/B) in 2 M of NaOH+ 2 M of EtOH. In addition, PdNiONF/B is stable and more tolerant of impurities. This observation suggests that PdNiONF/B possesses a better catalytic behavior. The ratio of the backward peak current (Ibwd) to the forward peak current (Ifwd) (Ibwd/Ifwd) in a 2 M of NaOH+2 M of EtOH is equal to (Ibwd/Ifwd) 1.0 V vs. Ag|AgCl for PdNiONF/B catalyst. This ratio indicates that PdNiONF/B has an excellent tolerance to ethanol intermediate species poisoning.