Ni–NiCr nanoparticles incorporated carbon nanofibers as robust electrocatalysts for efficient glycerol oxidation†

Abstract

The development of cost-effective and durable electrocatalysts for glycerol oxidation is essential for advancing energy conversion technologies and chemical production. In this study, we synthesized Ni–NiCr alloy nanoparticles incorporated into a graphitic carbon nanofiber (CNF) matrix using an electrospinning technique followed by thermal treatment. The structural and electrochemical properties of the resulting Ni–NiCr-CNFs were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a Ni–NiCr alloy phase, while scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) revealed a uniform nanofiber morphology with embedded crystalline nanoparticles. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry demonstrated the excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability of the Ni–NiCr-CNFs toward glycerol oxidation in alkaline media. The optimized electrocatalyst, prepared with 15 wt% chromium acetate precursor, exhibited a maximum current density of 102.7 mA cm⁻² in 0.5 M glycerol at 1.0 M KOH, surpassing many reported precious metal-based catalysts. The temperature dependence study indicated negligible impact on electrocatalytic activity, underscoring the robustness of the catalyst under varying conditions. Chronoamperometry further confirmed the stability and durability of the catalyst, with consistent current densities across different applied voltages. These findings highlight the synergistic effects of the Ni–NiCr alloy and the graphitic CNF matrix in enhancing catalytic performance, making the Ni–NiCr-CNFs a promising candidate for sustainable and efficient glycerol oxidation.