Electrodeposited gold nanoparticles on carbon nanotube-textile: Anode material for glucose alkaline fuel cells

In the present paper we propose a new anode material for glucose–gluconate direct oxidation fuel cells prepared by electrodepositing gold nanoparticles onto a conductive textile made by conformally coating single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) on a polyester textile substrate. The electrodeposition conditions were optimized in order to achieve a uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles in the 3D porous structure of the textile. On the basis of previously reported studies, the reaction conditions (pH, electrolyte composition and glucose concentration) were tuned in order to achieve the highest oxidation rate, selectively oxidizing glucose to gluconate. The electrochemical characterization was carried out by means of cyclic voltammetry.

► New anode material for glucose direct oxidation fuel cells.
► Conductive textile obtained by conformally coating SWCNTs on a polyester textile.
► Uniform electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles in the textile 3D porous structure.
► Reaction conditions optimized for selectively oxidize glucose to gluconate.