Improvement of the electrocatalytic performance of platinum-free hierarchical Cu/polypyrrole/NiO x anode for methanol oxidation via changing the morphology of polypyrrole sublayer by self-assembled pyrrole monomers and overoxidation

摘要: Abstract Platinum-free electrocatalysts have been considered recently due to their low costs and high resistances against poisoning with reaction intermediates. In this work different based on a matrix of polypyrrole, PPy, were examined for catalysis methanol oxidation reaction, MOR. The copper substrates covered by PPy layer NiOx nanoparticles deposited electrochemically it. Cu/PPy/NiOx electrodes indicated catalytic performance However, it was shown that the modification morphology influenced its behavior. self-assembly pyrrole monomers copper, prior polymerization, led formation tiny between common cauliflowers shaped masses. overoxidation then carried out encountered changes in micro/nano cracks. These facilitated diffusion electroactive species, which verified cyclic voltammetry electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results. enhancement active surface area reduction resistance modified caused significant increment electrocatalytic performance. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis diffraction patterns used characterization layers.