Facile fabrication of the SiO2-GO-CuFe2O4/NiO nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation in an alkaline media

Developing the low cost and efficient noble metal free electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation is of the considerable importance for advancing sustainable alcohol fuel cell technologies. Herein, a quaternary silica-graphene oxide-CuFe 2 O 4 /NiO nanocomposite (SiO 2 -GO-CuFe 2 O 4 /NiO) was successfully synthesized and applied as a modifier in carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the electrooxidation of ethanol under alkaline condition. The prepared nanocomposite was structurally and morphologically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, which verified the successful integration of the active components into a heterogeneous architecture with favorable morphology and surface composition. Electrochemical investigations performed by electrochemical methods in 0.1 M NaOH demonstrated that the modified electrode; SiO 2 -GO-CuFe 2 O 4 /NiO/CPE delivered enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward ethanol oxidation compared to the bare CPE and SiO 2 -GO/CPE, CuFe 2 O 4 /CPE, SiO 2 -GO-CuFe 2 O 4 /CPE, GO/NiO/CPE, SiO 2 -GO/NiO/CPE, and CuFe 2 O 4 /NiO/CPE, as evidenced by increased current response and reduced onset potential. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity of the SiO 2 -GO-CuFe 2 O 4 /NiO/CPE is attributed to the intrinsic electrocatalytic properties of the redox-active metal ions and synergistic effects of the conductive GO network, the silica matrix and the metal oxide phases, which collectively facilitate charge transfer, improve active surface site accessibility, and enhance structural stability. These findings highlight the potential of the as-prepared nanocomposite as an important electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.