Ni(OH)(2)-SnO2 at the Hybrid Interface of Zeolite-Y and rGO for Electrochemical Oxidation of Methanol and Ethanol

Abstract

Nickelhydroxide (Ni(OH)(2)) decorated in theframeworkof zeolite-Y and combined with SnO2, SnO2-Ni(OH)(2)-Y, was conceived as a cost-effective electrocatalyst forelectrochemical oxidation of methanol and ethanol (MOR and EOR). Significantenhancement in the current density was observed in both the electrochemicaloxidation processes on combining the SnO2-Ni(OH)(2)-Y with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The maximum current densityin the case of the MOR was found to be 2.2 Amg(-1), while the same in the case of the EOR was found to be 2.0 Amg(-1). The prepared electrocatalyst SnO2-Ni(OH)(2)-Y/rGO was found to be superior in terms of stability comparedto SnO2-Ni(OH)(2)-Y. The current density did notdrop abruptly up to 1000 cycles, implying the high stability of thematerial under alkaline conditions. This was further evident fromthe chronoamperometry measurement. The linear relationship betweenthe current density and the square root of the scan rate also suggestedthat both the MOR and EOR followed the diffusion-controlled mechanism.The catalyst SnO2-Ni(OH)(2)-Y/rGO also exhibitedgood methanol and ethanol tolerance up to a maximum concentrationof 6 M.