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Abstract
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In the present study, the ternary CuNiPt alloy nanoparticles (CuNiPt-ANPs) were electrodeposited on the graphenized pencil lead electrode (GPLE) surface, and the obtained modified electrode (CuNiPt-ANPs/GPLE) was examined as a new electrocatalyst towards ethanol electro-oxidation reaction (EEOR). The GPLE was fabricated through the electrochemical exfoliation of pencil lead electrode (PLE) in acidic condition on a three-electrode electrochemical cell. The physicochemical and electrocatalytic characterizations of the prepared electrocatalyst were examined by means of various techniques: X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. Comparison of the electrocatalytic activity of the introduced electrocatalysts (PtNPs/PLE, PtNPs/GPLE, CuPt-ANPs/GPLE, NiPt-ANPs/GPLE, and CuNiPt-ANPs/GPLE) showed that the CuNiPt-ANPs/GPLE has the highest and good electrocatalytic activity (first anodic peak current density = 101 mA cm−2) and outstanding stability for the EEOR in acidic media. This work offers not only an easy and efficient synthesis strategy but also opens new avenues for the design of high performance promising electrocatalyst for fuel cell systems.
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