Characterization of Ni-Co-PVC and Ni-Cu-PVC Alloys Prepared By Mechanical Alloying Technique (MAT)

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out to characterize Ni-Co-PVC and Ni-Cu-PVC composite materials prepared by mechanical alloying technique (MAT) using SEM, EDS and electrochemical test. Composite materials were prepared by mixing together 95% of metal powder (Ni+Co or Ni+Cu) with 5% PVC. PVC was used as a binder and tetrahydrofuran (THF) was used as a solvent in composite material preparation. Based on the SEM and EDS studies on those composite materials, both Ni-Co-PVC and Ni-Cu-PVC composite materials were found to be homogeneous and composed of aggregation of nickel and Co particles separated by gaps of PVC. The electrochemical test found that the response is very good in KOH and ethanol solution. Based on the CV, Ni-Co-PVC and Ni-Cu-PVC composite materials showed a synergistic effect as the electrocatalyst. Applications of these materials are as an electrode for electrocatalyst in fuel cell and for electrosynthesis of organic compounds.

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