LAUSR

Abstract In this work, a cost-effective ternary metal oxide nanorods, NiCo2O4, and embedding in reduced graphene oxide, NiCo2O4/rGO, as electrocatalysts were synthesized to use in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and hydrogen generation. For methanol oxidation reaction, NiCo2O4/rGO catalyst displayed the maximum current density of 9.6 and 16.2 mA cm−2 at 290 and 310 K, respectively in alkaline media. For hydrogen evolution, the Tafel slope of 49 mV dec−1 and 61 mV dec−1 and onset overpotential of 69 mV and 120 mV were obtained for NiCo2O4/rGO and NiCo2O4, respectively. The volume of evolved hydrogen obtained about 4 ml and 9 ml for NiCo2O4 and NiCo2O4/rGO, respectively, which are consistent with the polarization curves. The presence of rGO as a conductive material and the synergistic effect between Ni2+ and Co3+ ions are effective for electrocatalytic efficiency of the catalyst. The excellent performance of catalysts suggests their potentials for energy production.