Publication

Abstract : Ni-Co-B catalyst consisting of different ratios of Ni and Co was successfully synthesized via a simple electroless deposition method on stainless steel (SS) gauze substrate. Among various ratios, the Ni-Co-B of the ratio (0.09 M/0.01 M, designated as Ni-Co-B-MR1) exhibited higher electrochemical response towards methanol oxidation in alkaline medium with a highest current density about 11.3 mA/cm2 at a potential of − 0.65 V. The electrode exhibited improved CO tolerance for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline medium. The surface morphology and composition of the SS gauze coated with Ni-Co-B-MR1 catalyst was analysed using SEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. XRD confirms the presence of orthorhombic nickel boride and cobalt boride structure. The XPS analysis confirms the active presence of nickel boride and cobalt boride on SS gauze coated with Ni-Co-B-MR1 catalyst. The BET surface area of SS gauze coated with Ni-Co-B-MR1 catalyst was 1.21 m2 g−1. The single direct methanol fuel cell with SS gauze coated with Ni-Co-B-MR1 electrode produces a current density of about 0.1 mA/cm2 and power density about 10 mW/cm2, respectively.