Hydrothermal assisted synthesis of zeolite based nickel deposited poly(pyrrole-co-fluoro aniline)/CuS catalyst for methanol and sulphur fuel cell applications

With the ultimate aim of improving overall performance of direct alkaline methanol fuel cell and direct alkaline sulphur fuel cell (DSFC), an innovative attempt is made for the development of cost effective electrocatalyst with fascinating morphology as an anode material. In this study, copper sulphide doped Poly(Py-co-FA) coated coal fly ash (CFA) based zeolite (CFA-Ze) as a supporting material was synthesized through the hydrothermal process. The obtained nickel deposited Poly(Py-co-FA)/CuS/CFA-Ze composite was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry studies. The SEM and TEM pictures confirm the graphene sheet like structure formation through the interconnected bucky cage like shaped constitutions. Electrode modified with the synthesized catalyst exhibits improved catalytic activity for both oxidation of methanol and sulphide ion in alkaline medium. The novel catalyst used here is not only employed for the power generation, but also for the removal of sulphide waste, which is serving as a unique promoter of energy, waste management and green energy applications. Further, Ni/Poly(Py-co-FA)/CuS/CFA-Ze shows enhanced catalytic activity and stability when compared to that of Ni/Poly(Py-co-FA), Ni/CuS/CFA-Zeand Ni/CFA-Ze catalysts. The single stack alkaline fuel cell shows the maximum power density of 88.64 and 34.78·mWcm− 2 for methanol and Na2S, respectively. From the overall studies, it was concluded that the prepared Ni/Poly(Py-co-FA)/CuS/CFA-Ze catalyst is a potent, low cost and non-precious metal loaded electrode material with enhanced catalytic activity for direct alkaline fuel cells.