Nickel Nanoparticles for the Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol in an Alkaline Medium

Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) are directly synthesized on an indium tin oxide electrode by ion implantation, which is a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method. The morphology of the obtained electrode is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The size of the nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) is in the range of 50~125 nm based on SEM measurements. The general electrochemical behaviors of the modified electrode are characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrocatalytic activity and stability are measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The results confirm that the NiNPs/ITO electrode has substantial electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of methanol with good stability, indicating possible applications in direct methanol fuel cells.