Electrosynthesis of hierarchical Cu2O–Cu(OH)2 nanodendrites supported on carbon nanofibers/poly(para-phenylenediamine) nanocomposite as high-efficiency catalysts for methanol electrooxidation

The development of highly efficient catalysts using inexpensive and earth-abundant metals is a crucial factor in large-scale commercialization direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this study, we explored new catalyst based on copper nanodendrites (CuNDs) supported carbon nanofibers/poly (para-phenylenediamine) (CNF/PpPD) nanocomposite for oxidation reaction (MOR). support was prepared paste electrode by electropolymerization para-phenylenediamine monomer drop-cast nanofibers network. Afterwards, CuNDs were electrodeposited the through potentiostatic method. morphology structure nanomaterials characterized transmission electron microscope, scanning energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, photoelectron spectroscope. results suggested that three-dimensional nanodendritic consisting Cu2O Cu(OH)2 formed hybrid CNF/PpPD nanocomposite. catalytic performance CNF, PpPD evaluated MOR under alkaline conditions. CNF/PpPD/CuNDs exhibits highest activity (50 mA cm?2) stability toward over 6 h, with respect to CNF/CuNDs (40 PpPD/CuNDs (36 cm?2). This high promising anode DMFC applications.