MOF-Derived CuPt/NC Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been at the center stage of material science in the recent past because of their structural properties and wide applications in catalysis. MOFs have also been used as hard templates for the preparation of catalysts. In this study, highly active CuPt/NC electrocatalyst was synthesized by pyrolyzing Cu-tpa MOF along with Pt precursor under flowing Ar-H2 atmosphere. The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Rotating disk electrode study was performed to determine the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity for CuPt/NC in 0.1 M HClO4 at different revolutions per minute (400, 800, 1200, and 1600) and it was also compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst. Further the ORR performance was evaluated by K-L plots and Tafel slope. CuPt/NC shows excellent ORR performance with onset potential of 0.9 V (vs. RHE), which is comparable with commercial Pt/C. The ORR activity of CuPt/NC is demonstrated as an efficient electrocatalyst for fuel cell.

Platinum Recovery Techniques for a Circular Economy

“…Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are devices that use H 2 and O 2 as fuels and the main and unique output is water. They are portable, scalable, offer a good energy density and what is more important, are a viable alternative to the fossil-fuel powered vehicle, however, and despite decades of research, platinum (Pt) is required as catalyst in both anode and cathode [3][4][5][6][7]. To fulfill the acquired compromises in the reduction of CO 2 emissions, the use of PEMFCs as a complement to other technologies seems mandatory, and as a consequence, Pt demand will increase [8][9][10].…”

“…In other Pt uses, like jewelry or as fuel cell catalyst, Pt content is even higher than in VCC. Looking into the energy cost and natural resources used, Pt from natural ores requires 18,860-254,860 MJ per Kg of metal and 100,000-1,200,000 m 3 of water per ton of metal extracted, while recycled Pt needs 1400-3400 MJ and 3000-6000 m 3 , respectively [12]. Finally, Pt ores usually contain sulfide minerals, which can drive to extremely dangerous fumes along with tones of CO 2 during the smelting and refining process [14].…”

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-derived porous carbon materials for supercapacitors: an overview

“…We also published several research papers focused on MOFs in Elsevier and other respected journals. [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58] Another report discusses the possibilities of using MOFs as a template to prepare functional nanostructures. 59…”

Effect of Pyrolysis Conditions on the Performance of Co–Doped MOF–Derived Carbon Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

“…MOFs can transform into porous carbon-based functional materials by high-temperature pyrolysis, which has great application potential in catalysis [6], gas adsorption [7,8], and small-molecule separation [9]. MOF-derived carbon catalysts are considered to be promising candidates for commercial Pt-based catalysts [10,11].…”

“…catalysis [6], gas adsorption [7,8], and small-molecule separation [9]. MOF-derived carbon catalysts are considered to be promising candidates for commercial Pt-based catalysts [10,11]. The design and preparation of high efficiency catalysts using MOFs as precursors have become research hotspots in the field of non-platinum electro-catalysts [12].…”