Electrocatalytic Performance of MnMoO[sub.4]-rGO Nano-Electrocatalyst for Methanol and Ethanol Oxidation

Today, finding low-cost electro-catalysts for methanol and ethanol oxidation with high performance and stability is one of the new research topics. A nanocatalyst based on metal oxides in the form of MnMoO[sub.4] was synthesized by a hydrothermal method for methanol (MOR) and ethanol (EOR) oxidation reactions. Adding reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to the catalyst structure improved the electrocatalytic activity of MnMoO[sub.4] for the oxidation processes. The crystal structure and morphology of the MnMoO[sub.4] and MnMoO[sub.4]-rGO nanocatalysts were investigated by physical analyses such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Their abilities for MOR and EOR processes in an alkaline medium were evaluated by performing electrochemical tests such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. MnMoO[sub.4]-rGO showed oxidation current densities of 60.59 and 25.39 mA/cm[sup.2] and peak potentials of 0.62 and 0.67 V in MOR and EOR processes (at a scan rate of 40 mV/s), respectively. Moreover, stabilities of 91.7% in MOR and 88.6% in EOR processes were obtained from the chronoamperometry analysis within 6 h. All these features make MnMoO[sub.4]-rGO a promising electrochemical catalyst for the oxidation of alcohols.