Single-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of HNO₃ Exfoliated Graphite/Fe₂O₃ Composite for Methanol Oxidation in Acidic Media

Methanol has potential to replace conventional fuels. But its popularity is hindered by lower kinetics of electrode reactions, lower surface area, CO poisoning of catalysts, and higher cost of platinum-based catalysts. It is rare to find electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation in acidic media because its mechanism is not fully understood yet. In this research, HNO₃ exfoliated graphite powder and iron oxide composites have been synthesized by facile, single-step hydrothermal method. This procedure replaces the long and hazardous route of synthesizing graphene oxide. These composites not only provide large surface area for electrode reactions but also utilize catalytic and electrical capabilities of graphene and iron synergistically. Samples were characterized with FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses while electrocatalytic efficiencies were studied with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Composites have shown remarkable efficiencies for oxidation of methanol in acidic media.