Architecture of copper sulfide heterojunction and sodalite zeolite for synergistically improving catalytic effectiveness toward methanol oxidation

Abstract

CuxS derivatives perform high activity in MOR (methanol oxidation reaction) through the co-operation of Cu and S. In order to further improve their performance, the composition and structure are regulated through the co-growth process of copper sulfide heterojunction and SOD (sodalite code) zeolite framework. Under the hydrothermal condition, the introduced Cu0 and Cu+ ions are clustered on the zeolitic surface and inner cages. The S2- anions are selectively located at the zeolite cage to balance the framework charge arisen from the incorporation of Cu+. In the electrochemical process, the optimized Cu2S/SOD zeolite electrode reveals an extra high efficiency of 8847 A g−1 at an extra low overpotential of 0.374 V with an excellent resistance to catalyst poisoning in high concentration of methanol. This work opens up a new method for the design and industrial application of non-precious metal electrocatalysts with high energy density based on porous zeolite materials.