In situ growth of nickel selenide nanowire arrays on nickel foil for methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media

Abstract

In this communication, we develop a simple solvothermal method for in situ growth of NiSe nanowire arrays on nickel foil (NiSe/Ni). When used as a 3D anode for electro-catalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline media, the resulting NiSe/Ni achieves a current density of 132 mA cm⁻² at 0.5 V (vs. SCE) in 1 M KOH with 0.5 M methanol. It retains 88% of the anodic current density after 1000 cyclic voltammetry cycles while the current density can return to 93% of the original value when re-measured in new electrolyte.