NiFe2O4/Ti3C2 nanocomposite as an efficient catalyst for methanol electro-oxidation reaction: Investigating annealing temperature and synergetic effect

In the present work, NiO/Ti3C2, γ-Fe2O3/Ti3C2, and NiFe2O4/Ti3C2 nanocomposites were prepared via hydrothermal method. The influence of annealing temperature on the crystalline structure and subsequently, on the electrocatalytic performance was investigated by characterization and electrochemical processes. The presence of Ti3C2 Mxene substrate improved the electron transfer kinetics of NiFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles. In addition, due to the synergistic effect of nickel and iron elements in the structure of NiFe2O4, the NiFe2O4/Ti3C2 nanocomposite showed better electrochemical activity and stability compared to the single metal oxides (NiO and γ-Fe2O3). Based on the results, NiFe2O4/Ti3C2 nanocomposite annealed at 200 °C, showed the highest current density (24 mA cm−2) and the most stable catalytic performance (90.6%) compared to other temperatures. This nanocatalyst can be proposed as a promising catalyst for methanol oxidation reactions in direct alcohol fuel cells.