# Nitrogen-Tungsten Oxide Nanostructures on Nickel Foam as High Efficient Electrocatalysts for Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new electrocatalyst made of nitrogen-tungsten oxide on nickel foam that efficiently converts benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid with high selectivity and low energy use.

## Contribution

A one-step hydrothermal method to create a nitrogen-doped bimetallic oxide electrocatalyst for efficient benzyl alcohol oxidation.

## Key findings

- The WO-N/NF electrode achieves a low onset potential of 1.38 V for benzyl alcohol oxidation.
- The catalyst shows high yield (98.41%), conversion (99.66%), and selectivity (99.74%) in benzoic acid production.
- The electrode reduces electrolysis voltage by 396 mV compared to water oxidation.

## Abstract

Electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation (EAO) is an attractive alternative to the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction in electrochemical hydrogen evolution cells. However, the development of high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts is a major challenge. Herein, we developed a nitrogen-doped bimetallic oxide electrocatalyst (WO-N/NF) by a one-step hydrothermal method for the selective electrooxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid in alkaline electrolytes. The WO-N/NF electrode features block-shaped particles on a rough, inhomogeneous surface with cracks and lumpy nodules, increasing active sites and enhancing electrolyte diffusion. The electrode demonstrates exceptional activity, stability, and selectivity, achieving efficient benzoic acid production while reducing the electrolysis voltage. A low onset potential of 1.38 V (vs. RHE) is achieved to reach a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte with only 0.2 mmol of metal precursors, which is 396 mV lower than that of water oxidation. The analysis reveals a yield, conversion, and selectivity of 98.41%, 99.66%, and 99.74%, respectively, with a Faradaic efficiency of 98.77%. This work provides insight into the rational design of a highly active and selective catalyst for electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation.