Catalytic Behavior of NiCo2O4 for H2O2 Electroreduction in Alkaline Medium

NiCo2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using a sol-gel method. Their structures and morphologies were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results indicate that NiCo2O4, has a spine] structure and an average diameter of around 15 nm. The catalytic behavior of NiCo2O4 for H2O2 electroreduction in alkaline medium was investigated by linear potential sweep and chronoamperometry. NiCo2O4 shows considerable activity and stability for the electrocatalytic reduction of H2O2. The electroreduction occurs mainly via a direct pathway at H2O2 concentrations lower than 0.6 mol.L-1. An Al-H2O2 semi-fuel cell was constructed using NiCo2O4, as the cathode catalyst. The cell displays an open circuit voltage of 1.6 V and a peak power density of 209 mW.cm(-2) at a current density of 220 mA.cm(-2) running on 1.0 mol.L-1H2O, at ambient temperature.