Methanol and ethanol electrooxidation at 3D ordered silicon microchannel plates electrode modified with nickel–palladium nanoparticles in alkaline

The use of silicon microchannel plates (MCP) modified with nickel–palladium (Ni–Pd) nanoparticles by electroless plating was studied for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol and ethanol by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in alkaline media. The electrocatalyst was characterized by EDS, SEM and cyclic voltammetry, and the effective parameters on electrocatalytic oxidation of the alcohol, i.e. the concentration of KOH and alcohol, medium temperature and working potential limit in anodic direction were investigated. The modified electrode shows a superior electrooxidation performance with the operating temperature increasing and a strong current response to methanol and ethanol even during long-term oxidation of alcohol. All results show that the Ni–Pd/Si–MCP nanocomposite electrode is very attractive for integrated fuel cell applications.

► This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying nickel and palladium electrocatalysts for methanol and ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.
► Si–MCP itself is an excellent support for electrocatalyst. The porous structure itself with high surface to volume ratio endows higher mass Ni–Pd nanopatricles and is beneficial to the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol and ethanol, and the ordered channel and mesoporous structure permits liquid electrolyte flow easily.
► This research may provide a meaning way in integratable methanol/ethanol sensor and methanol/ethanol fuel cells.