Electrooxidation of ethanol on carbon nanotubes–nickel nanoparticles composites in alkaline media

In this report, the preparation of carbon nanotubes–Ni nanoparticles composites (CNT–Ni) is presented. The morphology and elemental composition of CNT–Ni composites were examined by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical behaviour of carbon nanotubes–Ni nanoparticles composites in an aqueous solutions of alkali and alkaline solutions of ethanol has been studied by linear sweep voltammetry. The peak on the potentiodynamic curve for CNT–Ni composite electrode in alkaline solutions of ethanol is observed which is ascribed to the ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium. The results obtained are discussed from the point of view of employment of the CNT–Ni composites for the catalytic electrodes of fuel cells.