Fatemeh Jamali, Majid Seifi, Mohammad Bagher Askari
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The escalating demand for sustainable energy amid fossil fuel depletion and environmental crises has propelled research into advanced electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). This study introduces a pioneering CoNi₂O₄/MXene nanocomposite, synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method, as a high-performance anode catalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), outperforming pristine CoNi₂O₄. Unlike prior works focusing on single-metal or loosely integrated composites such as nickel ferrite/MXene or Ni nanoparticles on Mxene this hybrid uniquely leverages the spinel structure of CoNi₂O₄ with its mixed oxidation states (Co²⁺/Co³⁺ and Ni²⁺/Ni³⁺) and MXene’s (Ti₃C₂) layered conductivity, achieving unprecedented synergy for enhanced electron transfer, active site exposure, and CO poisoning resistance. Physical analyses (XRD, FESEM, BET) confirmed successful integration, revealing a doubled specific surface area (109.36 vs. 61.64 m²/g) and porous fibrous morphology. Electrochemical evaluations showed superior activity with significantly enhanced peak current densities and lower oxidation potentials for both MOR and EOR compared to pristine CoNi₂O₄, alongside exceptional stability (94.6% and 91.6% retention after 1000 cycles at 100 mV/s). Lower Tafel slopes (138 mV/dec for MOR, 72.6 mV/dec for EOR) and reduced charge transfer resistance (<7 Ω) underscore its edge over noble metal alternatives. This transformative design not only addresses scalability and durability gaps in existing catalysts but also paves the way for cost-effective, efficient DAFCs in renewable energy applications.
The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.
期刊介绍：
The primary objective of the Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology (JSST), the official journal of the International Sol-Gel Society, is to provide an international forum for the dissemination of scientific, technological, and general knowledge about materials processed by chemical nanotechnologies known as the "sol-gel" process. The materials of interest include gels, gel-derived glasses, ceramics in form of nano- and micro-powders, bulk, fibres, thin films and coatings as well as more recent materials such as hybrid organic-inorganic materials and composites. Such materials exhibit a wide range of optical, electronic, magnetic, chemical, environmental, and biomedical properties and functionalities. Methods for producing sol-gel-derived materials and the industrial uses of these materials are also of great interest.
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