Electro-oxidation of methanol on the electrochemically prepared porous nickel hydroxides in alkaline media

In this study, a porous Ni(OH)₂ nano-electrode is prepared and used as a catalyst for methanol oxidation in alkaline media. The porous Ni nano-electrode is prepared by electrodeposition with dynamic hydrogenbubble template. Generated hydrogen bubbles at high over-potentials act as a template to distort the mass transfer of metal ions, resulting in fabrication of a porous and high surface-area metal nano-electrode. Co-electrodeposition and dealloying of Cu further increase the surface-area of the Ni nano-electrode. After electrochemical hydroxidization, the as-prepared porous Ni nano-electrode becomes a Ni(OH)₂ electrode. The electrochemical characteristics of the Ni(OH)₂ electrode is evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), chronoamperometry, and cyclic voltammetry to determine the catalytic activity and durability of the electrode for methanol oxidation. A methanol oxidation activity test reveals that the electrode had an excellent current density of 181 mAcm^-2, and durability tests demonstrate good long-term durability.