CoCr7C3-like nanorods embedded on carbon nanofibers as effective electrocatalyst for methanol electro-oxidation

CoCr7C3-like nanorods encapsulated in carbon nanofibers shell [CoCr7C3-CNFs] were prepared using a simple electrospinning technique. The as-prepared nanocomposite was physically characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM and EDX analysis techniques. The electrocatalytic activity of CoCr7C3-CNFs was examined for methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline medium using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The fabricated CoCr7C3-CNFs revealed good electroactivity towards methanol oxidation reaction. The measured low onset potential value [−80 mV (Ag/AgCl)] implied a marked enhancement in the oxidation kinetics at CoCr7C3-CNFs surface. Chronoamperometry test also displayed an increased steady state oxidation current density value of 18.42 mA cm−2 at 400 mV after 1800 s. This synthesized low cost, highly active and stable nanocomposite could be widely employed as a promising anode material in direct methanol fuel cells.