NiCr-LDH/V4C3 MXene nanocomposites as an efficient electrocatalyst for urea oxidation
Dana Susan Abraham1, Mari Vinoba2, Margandan Bhagiyalakshmi1
1Department of Chemistry, Central University of Kerala, India. bhagiyalakshmi@cukerala.ac.in.
Nanoscale
|January 9, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed NiCr-LDH/V4C3 MXene nanocomposites as efficient electrocatalysts for direct urea fuel cells. These materials show enhanced urea oxidation reaction performance and stability, paving the way for energy conservation technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Direct urea fuel cells (DUFCs) are crucial for energy solutions.
- Nickel-based layered double hydroxides (Ni-based LDHs) show promise for urea oxidation reactions (UOR).
- Developing efficient electrocatalysts is key to overcoming energy deficits and environmental concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate NiCr-LDH/V4C3 MXene nanocomposites for UOR.
- To investigate the impact of V4C3 hybridization on NiCr-LDH electrochemical properties.
- To assess the catalytic activity and stability of the nanocomposites for DUFC applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of NiCr-LDH/V4C3 MXene nanocomposites (NCVs).
- Electrochemical characterization of NCVs for UOR performance.
- Evaluation of catalytic efficiency, onset potential, current density, and durability.
Main Results:
- The NiCr-LDH/V4C3 MXene nanocomposite (NCV-21) demonstrated high efficiency (10 mA cm-2) at a low onset potential (1.36 V vs RHE).
- NCV-21 exhibited enhanced current density (112.64 mA cm-2) and long-term durability.
- Hybridization improved redox kinetics and charge transfer, indicating superior catalytic activity.
Conclusions:
- NiCr-LDH/V4C3 MXene nanocomposites are efficient anodic catalysts for urea oxidation.
- The strong interaction between NiCr-LDH and V4C3 MXene enhances catalytic performance and stability.
- This work opens new avenues for developing LDH/MXene nanocomposites in energy conservation.
