Interfacial Effect-Induced Electrocatalytic Activity of Spinel Cobalt Oxide in Methanol Oxidation Reaction

Abstract

In this study, spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles without combining with any other metal atoms have been decorated through the influence of two hard templating agents, viz., zeolite-Y and carboxy-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNT). The adornment of the Co3O4 nanoparticles, through the combined impact of the aluminosilicate and carbon framework has resulted in quantum interference, causing the reversal of signatory Raman peaks of Co3O4. Apart from the construction of small Co3O4 nanoparticles at the interface of the two matrices, the particles were aligned along the direction of COOH-MWCNT. The catalyst Co3O4-Y-MWCNT exhibited excellent catalytic activity toward the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in comparison to Co3O4-Y, Co3O4-MWCNT, and bared Co3O4 with the current density of 0.92 A mg–1 at an onset potential of 1.33 V versus RHE. The material demonstrated persistent electrocatalytic activity up to 300 potential cycles and 20,000 s without substantial current density loss. High surface area of zeolite-Y in combination with the excellent conductivity of the COOH-MWCNT enhanced the electrocatalytic performance of the catalyst. The simplicity of synthesis, scale-up, and remarkable electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst Co3O4-Y-MWCNT provided an effective way toward the development of anode materials for direct methanol fuel cells.