Work

Controlled electrodeposition of CoPt/CNT nanocomposites for bifunctional methanol oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study reports results on the synthesis of homogenous CoPt nanoparticles (∼150 nm) deposited onto CNT supports via controlled electrodeposition to obtain CoPt/CNT nanocomposites bifunctional catalysts with potential uses in energy conversion and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction. Uniformly distributed CoPt nanoparticles were anchored onto high-purity carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which served as an electrically conductive support with high surface area and structural stability. Structural and microstructural characterization confirmed effective decoration of the CNT network, with CoPt nanoparticles, providing a well-integrated alloy/support interface favourable for catalytic processes. The electrocatalytic and catalytic performances of the CoPt/CNT nanocomposites were systematically evaluated for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in acidic media and for the reduction of) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). The composites exhibited sustained MOR activity over 1500 cycles, while the 4-NP reduction proceeded rapidly under pseudo-first-order conditions, achieving high conversion within the initial minutes of reaction. Although a gradual decrease in activity was observed upon repeated use, the materials retained reproducible performance and significant conversion efficiency, indicating stable intrinsic catalytic behaviour. These findings highlight the effectiveness of electrodeposition for constructing alloy/CNT interfaces and provide a basis for further optimization of structural stability and long-term durability in multifunctional catalytic systems.

Source: Surfaces and Interfaces

DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2026.110499