Abstract
This study proves that supporting of cobalt nanoparticles on graphene can modify its role to be the main electrocatalyst in ethanol oxidation process. The introduced cobalt-based catalyst was synthesized by reflux treatment of graphene oxide in presence of cobalt acetate at 150 degrees C followed by calcination of the obtained product in Ar atmosphere at 850 degrees C. Electrocatalytic activity investigation indicated that the introduced Co-decorated graphene can be effectively utilized in ethanol electrooxiation as the corresponding current density was 210 mA/cm(2) (at 3 M ethanol in 1 M KOH and 50 mV/s) and onset potential of 0.33 V [vs. Ag/AgCl]. (C) 2014 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.