Bimetallic Cu–Pt/nanoporous carbon composite as an efficient catalyst for methanol oxidation

Abstract

A novel bimetallic Cu–Pt nanoparticle supported onto Cu/indirectly carbonized nanoporous carbon composite (Cu–Pt/ICNPCC) was prepared through a two-step process: first, carbonization of furfuryl alcohol-infiltrated MOF-199 [metal–organic framework Cu3(BTC)2 (BTC = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate)], without removing the Cu metal with HF aqueous solution; second, the partial galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) of Cu nanoparticles by PtIV upon immersion in a platinum(IV) chloride solution. The synthesized materials characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrochemical methods. The EDS result revealed that part of Cu nanoparticles have been substituted by Pt nanoparticles after GRR. The methanol oxidation at the surface of Cu–Pt/ICNPCC was investigated by cyclic voltammetry method in 0.5 M H2SO4 and indicated good electro-catalytic activity towards methanol oxidation (Ep = 0.85 V vs. NHE and jf = 1.00 mA cm−2). It is suggested that this improvement is attributed to the effect of proper Cu/ICNPCC for fine dispersion, efficient adhesion, and prevention of Pt coalescing.