Au–Ni synergy for enhanced electrochemical oxidation of ethanol over Au/Ni foam electrode†

Abstract

Replacing the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction with ethanol oxidation can reduce the overpotential while generating value-added products. In this study, a highly active and stable catalyst was synthesized via electrochemical deposition, enabling the leaching of Ni and co-deposition of Au and Ni to form an Au–Ni alloy on Ni foam. The Au–Ni synergy enhances ethanol adsorption, tailors surface oxygen species, and shortens the distance between reaction intermediates, driving ethanol oxidation to acetate at low potentials and favoring acetaldehyde formation at higher potentials. The resulting electrode achieves 163 mA cm⁻² at 1.57 V vs. RHE and 209 mA cm⁻² at 1.90 V vs. RHE with excellent stability, offering a cost-effective alternative for the anode reaction in hydrogen production.