Aerosol-derived Ni1−xZnx electrocatalysts for direct hydrazine fuel cells

Abstract

This article reports the synthesis and performance of unsupported Ni(1-x)Zn(x) electrocatalysts for the oxidation of hydrazine in alkaline media. Characterization of these catalysts was achieved using XRD, SEM, and TEM to confirm phase compositions, crystal structures, and morphologies. High performance was observed for the α-Ni(0.87)Zn(0.13) and β(1)-Ni(0.50)Zn(0.50) electrocatalysts with an onset potential of -0.15 V (vs. RHE) and a mass activity of 4000-3800 A g(cat)(-1) at 0.4 V (vs. RHE), respectively. Additionally, in situ IRRAS studies were conducted to understand the mechanism of oxidation. These results demonstrate the feasibility of Ni(1-x)Zn(x) catalysts for direct hydrazine anionic fuel cells.