Dual Matrix Influence on Ni(II) Rich Hybrid Catalyst for Electrochemical Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Abstract The influence of two different surface matrices, that is, zeolite‐Y and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), on the electrocatalytic ability of Ni(OH)₂ combined with MnO₂ has been studied. The Ni and Mn loaded in different ratio exhibited different current density with respect to the change in the nature of support. The MnO₂−Ni(OH)₂ catalyst decorated like a fish in a net‐stock at the interface of the zeolite‐Y and the MWCNT with high Ni(II) content provided the highest current density of 3.8 Amg⁻¹ and 3.6 Amg⁻¹ with platinum and graphitic rod as counter electrode, respectively. The study revealed that both the concentration of the Ni(II) as well as the nature of the support influenced the electrochemical behaviour of MnO₂−Ni(OH)₂. The electrochemical surface area as well as the durability of the catalyst having two different supports showed higher values in comparison to those in single matrix. The plot of current density vs. square root of scan rate showed diffusion control methanol oxidation process. The results predicted that the MnO₂−Ni(OH)₂ catalyst containing both zeolite‐Y and MWCNT surface indicated that under the highly basic condition it can withstand for long period without significant loss in current density during the methanol oxidation reaction process.