Preparation of Ni/poly(1,5-diaminonaphthalene)-modified carbon paste electrode; application in electrocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde for fuel cells

This paper deals with electrochemical oxidation of formaldehyde in alkaline solution with a new electrocatalytic system composed of carbon paste electrode coated with poly(1,5-diaminonaphthalene) (P-1,5-DAN) film containing incorporated Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox ions. The modifier layer of (P-1,5-DAN-Ni)(OH)₂ at the electrode surface acts as a catalyst for the oxidation of formaldehyde in 0.1-M NaOH solution. Cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric experiments showed that the formaldehyde can be oxidized at the surface of Ni/P-1,5-DAN-modified carbon paste electrode. In cyclic voltammetry studies, the peak current of the oxidation of nickel hydroxide in the presence of formaldehyde increases and is followed by a decrease in the corresponding cathodic current. The rate constant (k) for the chemical reaction between the formaldehyde and nickel hydroxide has been evaluated by chronoamperometry method. This polymeric-modified electrode can oxidize the formaldehyde with high current density (over 7 mA cm⁻²). Thus, it can be a candidate as an anode for fuel cell applications.