Fabrication of three-dimensional copper nanodomes as anode materials for direct methanol fuel cells. (24th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baştürk, Fatih; Yüksel, Handan; Solmaz, Ramazan
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 27(2019)
• Page Start: 14235
• Page End: 14242
• Publication Date: 2019-05-24
• Subjects: Copper nanodomes -- Methanol electrooxidation -- COads poisoning -- 3D nanomaterials -- Direct methanol fuel cells; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.02.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we demonstrate a novel approach for fabricating copper nanodomes (Cu-NDs) by combining of soft lithography, nanosphere lithography, physical vapor deposition (PVD) and electrochemical deposition methods. The 3D nano structures were characterized using surface microscopic techniques. The methanol oxidation activity of the Cu-NDs anode was tested by electrochemical methods in 0.1 M KOH +1 M CH3 OH solution and the results were compared with that of bulk Cu as a reference point. The results showed that very well-structured, uniformly and homogeneously distributed Cu-NDs could be fabricated using these combined methods. The peak current density related to methanol oxidation reaction increased and charge transfer resistance reduced almost three times at the Cu-NDs electrode with respect to the bulk Cu. Also, the Cu-NDs electrode has good time stability and high tolerance to COads poisoning. The enhanced activity of the nanostructures was related to good intrinsic activity of Cu for this reaction and their larger available electrochemical active sites. Graphical abstract: A novel approach for fabrication of copper nanodomes by combining of soft lithography, nanosphere lithography, physical vapor deposition and electrochemical deposition methods was demonstrated. 3D Cu nanodomes have superior methanol electrooxidation activity with respect to bulk Cu.Image 1 Highlights: Very well-structured, uniformly and homogenously distributed Cu nanodomes were fabricated. 3D Cu nanodomes have superior methanol electrooxidation activity with respect to bulk Cu. Cu nanodomes has good time stability and high tolerance to COads poisoning. The methanol oxidation reaction is diffusion controlled at nanostructures. Cu nanodomes are promising candidate for fabricating anode materials of DMFCs.