Electroplating of Pt–Ni–Cu nanoparticles on glassy carbon electrode for glucose electro-oxidation process

Abstract

Platinum and nickel–copper nanoparticles were electrodeposited on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by using cyclic voltammetry (CV)-based electroplating technique. Morphology and chemical composition of the newly designed electrode was studied via scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray and elemental mapping analysis. This electrode was eventually employed to electro-oxidation of glucose using CV, chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE is capable of electro-oxidation of glucose at a low potential and generating high peak current density. The results of CV and CA revealed the high catalytic activity of the Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE and steady-state activity for glucose electro-oxidation. Compared to the other electrodes reported in the previous literature, Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE shows a better potential as an anode. Low electrochemical charge transfer resistance (R_ct) is of particular advantages for the Pt–Ni–Cu/GCE. This electrode is a good choice as an anode for application in direct glucose alkaline fuel cells.