Modified Solution Combustion Synthesis (SCS) of nickel oxide, NiO sphere clusters using glucans and sodium salts: Application for electrocatalytic decomposition of urea

• Published in: Microporous and mesoporous materials 2020-03, Vol.295 (C), p.109750, Article 109750
• Main Authors: Meguerdichian, Andrew G., Tasnim, Habiba, Tabassum, Lamya, Kankanam-Kapuge, Tharindu, Shirazi Amin, Alireza, Shakil, Md R., Toloueinia, Panteha, Achola, Laura A., Willis, William S., Suib, Steven L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrochemical hydrogen production; Mesoporous; Nickel; Solution combustion; Urea
• ISSN: 1387-1811; 1873-3093
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2019.109750

The application of metabolites from the modern clinic (patient care environments including hospitals and medical facilities) has become an important part of energy research as these materials are readily available at low-cost and are non-toxic to handle in large quantities for catalyst development in the chemical industry. A modified Solution Combustion Synthesis (SCS) route was utilized in the preparation of nickel oxide, NiO nanomaterials using Dextran/Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate and Dextran/Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Na-CMC). The catalysts were then applied towards the electrocatalytic decomposition of urea, a metabolite from human and animal urine for Direct Urea Fuel Cell (DUFC) technology. Results from the catalysis demonstrated that the sample prepared via Dextran/Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate had the greatest Electroactive Surface Area (ESA) of 146 cm2mg, potentially a result of the well-defined clusters produced using the citrate coordinating species to produce individual particles. [Display omitted] •NiO sphere clusters via Dextran and Na salts (citrate, carboxymethyl cellulose).•Factors distinguishing NiO catalysts were particle size, organization, definition.•Nickel via Dextran and citrate had greatest electrochemical activity (146 cm2mg).•Dextran, citrate, cellulose salt to NiO/Ni; less porous, electrochemical activity.