Hollow structured Co3O4/CuO nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction

In this work, a series of Co3O4/CuO nanocomposites with different component ratios are successfully synthesized by simple and economical hydrothermal and calcination methods, using nickel foam as the substrate. The catalytic performances of nickel foam supported Co3O4/CuO nanocomposites for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) are evaluated. TEM characterization shows that the Co3O4/CuO nanocomposites have a hollow framework structure. The electrocatalytic test results prove the catalytic performance of the Co3O4/CuO nanocomposites is observably better than that of Co3O4 and CuO. Among the Co3O4/CuO nanocomposites, the CoCu-5 with a CuO content of 49.76 % has the highest catalytic activity and good stability. The current density value of CoCu-5 can reach 193.8 mA mg(-1) at 0.6 V (vs Ag/AgCl), and the current density retention ratio is 93.8 % after 1000 CV cycles of testing. The excellent electrocatalytic performance of the Co3O4/CuO nanocomposites can be due to the synergistic effect between Co3O4 and CuO, and the large number of catalytic active sites brought about by the unique hollow frame structure.