Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Performance of TiO2 Supported on Carbon Nanoparticles Towards Positive Half-Cell Reaction of Hydrogen-1,4p-benzoquinone Flow-Battery

Abstract

The Hydrogen- 1,4 p-Benzoquinone redox flow battery (H2—BQ RFB) is simple and economic to use with a cell potential of 0.714 V. Carbon-based electrodes are extensively used as electrode materials due to their comprehensive properties but possess poor hydrophilic nature and low electrochemical activity. It is essential to modify carbon-based materials before employing them in battery applications. Because of its low-cost and enhanced catalytic activity, Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is chosen to modify the carbon material. In the present work, TiO2 supported on carbon nanoparticles (TiO2@CNP) electrocatalyst was synthesized by using the ultra-sound assisted sol-gel method for the positive half-cell of H2—BQ RFB. The composition of the sol is optimized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis. Surface morphology TiO2@CNP coated on carbon paper was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The TiO2 and carbon interaction bonds were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The phase and crystalline nature were identified by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The activity of the electrode was assessed by CV and Tafel analysis. The electrocatalyst was tested in H2—BQ RFB positive half-cell by galvanostatic charge-discharge and obtained energy efficiency up to 73%.