Electrochemical oxidation of ethanol on NiO/MoO2 hybridized wheat husk derived activated carbon.

Abstract

The Ethanol oxidation process in fuel cells is most efficient when conducted by Platinum based catalysts. Our research team endeavored to find affordable and efficient catalysts, synthesizing catalysts based on metal oxides of nickel and molybdenum in the form of NiO/ MoO2 and NiO/ MoO2 hybridized with activated carbon obtained from the wheat husk (ACWH) through a hydrothermal method. After precise physical characterization, the capability of these catalysts in the ethanol oxidation process was measured through electrochemical analyses in an alkaline environment. The presence of ACWH in the catalyst structure significantly improves the active surface and electrocatalytic activity. NiO/MoO2/ACWH with a current density of 16 mA/cm2 at a peak potential of 0.55 V and 93% cyclic stability after 5000 alternate CV cycles, can be an appealing, relatively efficient, and stable option in ethanol oxidation. .