Synthesis, characterization and performance of a novel Ni–Co/GO-TiO2 for electrooxidation of methanol and ethanol

In order to find out electrocatalysts based on non-precious metals, Ni–Co/GO-TiO 2 composite with different amounts of nickel and cobalt is prepared and the impacts of TiO 2 nanoparticles on GO support are highlighted. Composition, morphology and textural features of the synthesized materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The electrochemical activity of the prepared catalysts toward methanol and ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline media is investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. Results confirmed that adding TiO 2 nanoparticles to graphene oxide can increase the surface area, porosity and electrochemically active surface area of the support material. The composition with the equal amount of nickel and cobalt precursors exhibited the highest current density for methanol and ethanol electrooxiation equal to 121.07 and 145.28 mA/cm 2 , respectively. Stability test results demonstrated that this sample maintains 94.1% and 87.5% of initial current density after 7200 s for the electrooxidation of ethanol and methanol in 1.0 M KOH, respectively. All results confirm the synergic effect of Ni and Co for the alcohols oxidation in alkaline media and equal amount of Ni and Co leads to the best catalytic performance with the highest current density, lowest impedance and maximum stability. • GO-TiO 2 was synthesized using a reflux method as support for fuel cell's catalyst. • Ni-Co was deposited on GO-TiO 2 in chemical reduction method. • The electrochemical properties of samples with various amounts of Ni-Co investigated. • Ni-Co/GO-TiO 2 used as electrocatalyst for the alcohol electrooxidation. • The results showed that Ni-Co/GO-TiO 2 has high current density and low impedance.