Ultrasound assisted synthesis of cobalt tungstate decorated Poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) nanocomposite towards improved methanol electro-oxidation

In this study cobalt tungstate (CoWO4) nanoparticles decorated over PDMA (Poly 2,5 dimethoxy aniline) are utilized as a novel hybrid nanocomposite for methanol oxidation. The CoWO4 and PDMA were synthesized using an ultrasonication strategy. The physicochemical characterization such as SEM, HRTEM, XRD, and FT-IR affirmed the presence of CoWO4 over PDMA matrix. The electrocatalytic activity of the investigated CoWO4 decorated over the PDMA matrix towards methanol oxidation indicates good performances since the potential is lowered when compared to other materials that are reported. CoWO4@PDMA hybrid nanocomposite gave methanol oxidation at 0.80 V with a current density of 6.4 mA/cm2. The presence of CoWO4 offered good stability and retention for methanol oxidation reaction. On the whole, the present study will satisfy low-cost and stable transition metal–based nanocomposite for fuel cell applications.