Ni(OH)2-electrochemically reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as anode electrocatalyst for direct ethanol fuel cell in alkaline media

[Display omitted] •A simple, inexpensive and one-pot fabrication of the Ni(OH)2/ERGO composite is reported.•The Ni(OH)2/ERGO was directly prepared by electrochemical co-deposition technique on Au electrode.•The as-prepared composite electrode was characterized by different techniques.•Electrocatalytic activity of the Ni(OH)2/ERGO/Au was investigated towards ethanol electrooxidation.•The oxidation peak current density of ethanol was measured as 5.2 mA.cm−2. In this study, synthesis of nickel hydroxide-electrochemically reduced graphene oxide on Au electrode (Ni(OH)2/ERGO/Au) was carried out by one-pot electrodeposition process. The as-prepared electrodes were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping analysis.The Ni(OH)2/ERGO/Au electrode possessed high specific surface area and sheet-like morphology useful as an electrocatalyst for ethanol fuel cells. The Ni(OH)2/ERGO/Au exhibited the higher current density (~5.2 mA cm−2). Due to the excellent electrocatalytic activity and highly stable response of the Ni(OH)2/ERGO/Au, it can be used as a very promising electrocatalyst in direct ethanol fuel cells.