Methanol oxidation activity of CuO nanoparticles obtained from thermal decomposition of copper-salophen complex

Today, fuel cells (FCs) are considered as one of the tools to achieve the basic goal of the future of human society [1, 2]. In this context, the design of metal oxide nanomaterials as electrochemical catalysts has attracted much attention [3]. Here, we investigate the electrocatalytic activity of copper oxide nanoparticles obtained from the thermal decomposition of Cu-salophen complex for methanol oxidation. To monitor the efficiency of this material in methanol oxidation reaction, cyclic voltammetry technique was used in 1M KOH solution, which showed a peak current density of ~247.51 mA cm-2 in 0.5 M methanol concentration. Also, the durability of the electrode was investigated using the chronoamperometry technique, which showed long-term stability. In addition, from the impedance analysis, a charge transfer resistance of 11.22 Ω cm-2 was obtained, indicating a faster electron transfer process at the interface. The results of this study confirm the fact that CuO nanostructures obtained from the thermal decomposition of Cu salophen complex is a promising electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation.