Electrooxidation of methanol on AuNi/C catalyst in alkaline medium

AuNi/C catalyst (AuNi nanoparticles supported on activated carbon) is prepared by a polyol reduction process. The alloying between Au and Ni and the removal of unalloyed Ni are achieved by the heat and acid treatment. The electrochemical measurement results indicate that the alloying treatment process is favourable to improve the electrocatalytic activity of the AuNi/C catalyst. Moreover, the area-specific electrochemical activity of each AuNi/C catalyst is better than that of the Au/C catalyst, showing the effect of the Ni component on the electrocatalytic activity of the Au/C catalyst is significant.