Oxidation of methanol on nickel—zinc catalysts

The activity of nickel—zinc and smooth nickel electrodes for methanol oxidation is investigated in KOH 1 M + CH 3OH 1 M at 60°C. Nickel—zinc alloys of different composition are easily obtained from electrodeposition. After their attack in KOH 1 M, the electrodes contain about 50% of zinc and they have the βNiZn alloy structure. The I(V) curves are compared. On smooth nickel the oxidation of methanol is strongly inhibited by the superficial oxides whereas on nickel—zinc electrodes superficial oxides are easier to reduce. The effect of adsorbed hydrogen and of mixed oxides is discussed.