Nickel-cerium alloys for borohydride oxidation

Abstract

Nickel and nickel-cerium (Ni-Ce) alloys with different amounts of Ce (5 and 10 at. % Ce) have been prepared by arc melting and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis based on energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, to investigate microstructure and to determine phase composition. Subsequently, Ni and Ni alloy-based electrodes were fabricated and studied for borohydride (BH4-) oxidation in alkaline media by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in the temperature range 25-45 °C. Preliminary results showed comparable BH4-oxidation peak current densities obtained at three electrodes, with Ni95Ce5electrode giving the highest current densities. Electrochemical data are modelled to obtain relevant kinetic parameters of BH4-oxidation at these electrodes. Effect of electrolyte temperature on the evaluated parameters has been investigated as well. © The Electrochemical Society.