Boosted carbon electrocatalytic effect towards sensing and green energy applications by tailoring the catalyst-support interface on a nature-inspired solution

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

de Sá, MH (Author) Other; Costa, R (Author) Other; Carlos M Pereira (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Electrochimica Acta

Vol. 482

ISSN: 0013-4686

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-21Z

DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2024.143980

Abstract (EN): Carbon electrodes are widely accepted as very versatile platforms, with applications ranging from electrocatalysis to sensors and other devices, like fuel cells and water electrolyzers. However, there are still difficulties given that over time, at high potentials, the oxidation of carbon materials (as a catalyst and/or catalyst support) can play a detrimental role, undermining the efficiency and stability of the electrochemical processes and devices performance. In this paper, it is reported the research work followed by resourcing to electrochemical analytical techniques, like cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), along with complementary atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. These techniques were used to characterise glass-type and paper-based carbon electrodes. On a nature-inspired solution, we took advantage of the different interfacial carbon-support hierarchical porous structures to boost the carbon electrocatalytic effect towards sensing the ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple ([Fe(CN)6]3-/4¿) in aqueous solution. It is shown that the best results were achieved with carbon paper electrodes without wet proofing, given its hierarchical porous structure and absence of the insulating binder. This research endeavors to contribute to the ongoing advancements in the field of electrochemical green energy conversion by exploring innovative approaches and materials, with the ultimate aim of developing carbon substrates that not only enhance performance but also promote environmental sustainability. © 2024

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific