Electroplating of Pt–Ni–Cu nanoparticles on glassy carbon electrode for glucose electro-oxidation process

ABSTRACT

Platinum and nickel–copper nanoparticles were electrodeposited on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by using cyclic voltammetry (CV)-based electroplating technique. Morphology and chemical composition of the newly designed electrode was studied via scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray and elemental mapping analysis. This electrode was eventually employed to electro-oxidation of glucose using CV, chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE is capable of electro-oxidation of glucose at a low potential and generating high peak current density. The results of CV and CA revealed the high catalytic activity of the Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE and steady-state activity for glucose electro-oxidation. Compared to the other electrodes reported in the previous literature, Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE shows a better potential as an anode. Low electrochemical charge transfer resistance (R_ct) is of particular advantages for the Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE. This electrode is a good choice as an anode for application in direct glucose alkaline fuel cells.

KEYWORDS:

• Electroplating
• platinum
• nickel
• copper
• electrocatalyst
• direct glucose alkaline fuel cell

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Yasouj University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.