Effect of current density on Ni-Mo electrodeposition using EMIM [Br]

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate the current density impact on the Ni-Mo electrodeposit and on its catalytic activity of methanol oxidation in an alkaline solution. For this purpose, Ni-Mo coatings with good electrocatalytic properties were achieved by electrodeposition in the modified Watts bath containing 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromide (EMIM [Br]) ionic liquid. The results showed that a 1–6 A dm⁻² increase in the current density could decline the Mo content in the Ni-Mo/Ni coatings. The XRD patterns demonstrate that an amorphous coating formed with increasing the current density. Moreover, it was found that the catalytic performance of Ni-Mo coatings was significantly enhanced in the presence of methanol. Based on the obtained results, the Ni-Mo coating obtained at the current density of 3.5 A dm⁻² and in the presence of EMIM [Br] showed a higher anodic current density, lower onset oxidation potential, and better catalytic performance.

KEYWORDS:

• Ni-Mo alloy coating
• direct methanol fuel cell
• electrocatalyst
• EMIM [Br]

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.