Green synthesis and characterization of nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide nanosheets as electrode material for direct ethanol fuel cell

Nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (NRGO) nanosheets are synthesized by electrochemical etching and hydrothermal synthesis techniques. NRGO prepared at different reaction times and nitrogen precursor concentrations are analyzed electrochemically. The optimized sample is then structurally analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and optical properties are studied by Raman Spectroscopy. The structure and morphology are studied using High-resolution transmission electron spectroscopy (HRTEM) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Thermal stability of the samples is analyzed by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrochemical studies reveal the electrocatalytic activity of NRGO for ethanol oxidation, thus making a superior metal-free catalyst for fuel cells.