Catalytic oxidation of ethanol by a nanostructured Ni-Co/RGO composite: Electrochemical construction and investigation

Electrocatalysis of ethanol was performed by a nanocomposite which was fabricated by carbon paste electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide supported bimetallic Ni-Co nanoparticles (Ni-Co/RGO/CPE). It was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammetric studies in different conditions showed redox activity of the Ni nanoparticles in the form of Ni(OH)(2)/NiOOH couple. This redox activity was improved by the presence of Co nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. The oxidation of ethanol was investigated in alkaline media at the Ni-Co/RGO/CPE. The anodic peak potential of ethanol oxidation was decreased and its current was greatly enhanced at the surface of the suggested electrocatalyst. Also, the chronoamperometry technique was employed for obtaining the catalytic rate constant for the electro-oxidation reaction of ethanol and a value of 2150 cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1) was obtained.