A free-standing NiCr-CNT@C anode mat by electrospinning for a high-performance urea/H2O2 fuel cell.

A highly porous free-standing NiCr-bimetallic catalyst is synthesized by electrospinning and carbonization and is applied as an anode in a direct urea/H 2 O 2 fuel cell for electro-oxidation of urea. It is observed that the morphology of the calcined NiCr catalyst, which has a higher specific surface area, is identical to that of the electrospun NiCr catalyst fiber. Cr-doping at 40% (Cr/Ni) significantly increases the oxidation peak current of the urea oxidation reaction. The addition of carbon nanotubes also considerably enhances the catalytic activity. A direct urea/H 2 O 2 fuel cell, which utilizes the synthesized catalyst (NiCr-CNT@C) as a free-standing anode, exhibits excellent performance with a maximum power density of 48.1 mW cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage of 0.92 V at 80 °C. Thus, the highly porous free-standing NiCr-CNT@C catalyst mat can be employed as an efficient anode material for urea oxidation in urea fuel cells. Image 1 • A freestanding NiCr catalyst mat was synthesized by electrospinning technique. • NiCr bimetal nanoparticles were uniformly embedded in the carbon nanofibers. • The NiCr catalyst featured excellent electro-catalytic activity for urea oxidation. • A urea fuel cell with NiCr catalyst exhibited a power density of 48.1 mW cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]