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Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of conical Co–Fe alloy structures and their application as a sensitive and rapid sensor for H2O2 detection

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Abstract

In this work, the conical Co–Fe alloy structures were synthesized by two different methods: a two- and a one-step. The synthesis of nanoconical structures with regular, well-defined geometrical features, called the two-step method, requires using porous Anodic Alumina Oxide (AAO) templates. Contrary, any advanced pre-preparation of the substrate is not necessary for the one-step method. The fabrication of cones is carried out from the electrolyte containing an addition of a crystal modifier. Co and Fe are applied as electrodes in an alkaline environment. Their catalytic performance can be enhanced by modification of the shape and size of their structures, and in consequence, developing their active surface area. Many methods were used to analyze the coatings, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDAX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The catalytic properties of the coatings were recorded during the hydrogen evolution reaction and the reduction of the hydrogen peroxide and compared with the catalytic activity of bulk alloy. Nanocones produced in AAO templates were characterized by significantly higher catalytic activity and sensitivity in both reactions. However, they were unstable in the time of the experiment duration. Cones synthesized by the one-step method can be successfully applied as a catalyst and H2O2 detector.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by The National Science Centre (Grant number UMO2016/23/G/ST5/04058).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Non-Ferrous Metals, AGH University of Science and Technology, A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland

    Katarzyna Skibińska, Dawid Kutyła, Anna Kula & Piotr Żabiński

  2. Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology, AGH University of Science and Technology, A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland

    Marta Gajewska & Mateusz M. Marzec

Authors
  1. Katarzyna Skibińska
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Correspondence to Katarzyna Skibińska.

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Katarzyna Skibińska declares that she has no conflict of interest. Dawid Kutyła declares that he has no conflict of interest. Anna Kula declares that she has no conflict of interest. Marta Gajewska declares that she has no conflict of interest. Mateusz M. Marzec declares that he has no conflict of interest. Piotr Żabiński declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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Skibińska, K., Kutyła, D., Kula, A. et al. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of conical Co–Fe alloy structures and their application as a sensitive and rapid sensor for H2O2 detection. Archiv.Civ.Mech.Eng 22, 76 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43452-022-00402-y

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