AuAg/rGO electrodes for borohydride oxidation

Abstract

Gold and silver nanoparticles in different atomic ratios deposited on reduced graphene oxide (AuAg/rGO-1, AuAg/rGO-2, and AuAg/rGO-3) were tested for the borohydride oxidation reaction in an alkaline medium. The morphology, structure, and composition of AuAg/rGO electrodes were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy with integrated energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The TEM analysis showed that the most of gold and silver particles (more than 80%) are up to 9 nm in size, while slightly larger particles represent less than 5%. SEM-EDS showed a similar morphology, and the composition of three AuAg/rGO electrodes was determined. AuAg/rGO-1 and AuAg/rGO-2 electrodes showed similar, while AuAg/rGO-3 electrodes demonstrated slightly lower electrocatalytic activity for borohydride oxidation. The studied electrodes were observed to be active for the borohydride hydrolysis as well, which is expected based on literature data. AuAg/rGO certainly represent potential anode materials for application in direct borohydride fuel cells.

Keywords

• borohydride oxidation
• electrocatalysts
• fuel cells
• gold and silver nanoparticles
• reduced graphene oxide