A free-standing NiCr-CNT@C anode mat by electrospinning for a high-performance urea/H2O2 fuel cell

Abstract

A highly porous free-standing NiCr-bimetallic catalyst is synthesized by electrospinning and carbonization and is applied as an anode in a direct urea/H2O2 fuel cell for electro-oxidation of urea. It is observed that the morphology of the calcined NiCr catalyst, which has a higher specific surface area, is identical to that of the electrospun NiCr catalyst fiber. Cr-doping at 40% (Cr/Ni) significantly increases the oxidation peak current of the urea oxidation reaction. The addition of carbon nanotubes also considerably enhances the catalytic activity. A direct urea/H2O2 fuel cell, which utilizes the synthesized catalyst (NiCr-CNT@C) as a free-standing anode, exhibits excellent performance with a maximum power density of 48.1 mW cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage of 0.92 V at 80 °C. Thus, the highly porous free-standing NiCr-CNT@C catalyst mat can be employed as an efficient anode material for urea oxidation in urea fuel cells. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd