Bi-doped NiCo2O4 catalyst for electrocatalysis glucose oxidation accompanied hydrogen generation.

Abstract

The slow dynamics of oxygen evolution reaction and the use of the proton exchange membrane have been troubling the hydrogen production from electrolytic water splitting. Reducing the electrolytic voltage and avoiding the utilization of proton exchange membranes are crucial targets for electrolytic hydrogen evolution. Bi-doped NiCo2O4 catalyst is prepared and applied in electrocatalysis glucose oxidation coupled hydrogen generation. Structural characterizations confirm the successful preparation of NiCo2O4 and the existence of Bi. Bi leads to the electrons transfer from Co to Ni, increasing the content of Co3+, and lowers the oxidation potential of Co and Ni. Electrochemical experiments indicate that NiCo2O4-Bi has good electrocatalytic activity and stability toward electrochemical glucose oxidation, with a potential of 1.13 V vs. RHE at 10 mA cm-2 current density. The asymmetric electrolysis of two electrodes requires just 1.26 V to achieve a 10 mA cm-2 current density. The design of NiCo2O4-Bi is an exploration for electrocatalytic glucose oxidation coupled hydrogen production with low voltage and no proton exchange membrane.