Abstract
In this study, electrochemical oxidation of methanol to formic acid using the economical and highly active catalytic Nickel Benzene tricarboxylic acid metal organic framework (Ni-BTC-MOF) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode GCE in alkaline media, which was examined via cyclic voltammetry technique. Nickel based MOF and rGO nanocomposites were prepared by solvothermal approach, followed by morphological and structural characterization of prepared samples through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The electrochemical testing of synthesized materials represents the effect of the sequential increase in rGO concentration on electrocatalytic activity. The Ni-BTC/4 wt % rGO composite with a pronounced current density of 200.22 mA/cm2 at 0.69 V versus Hg/HgO electrode at 50 mV/s was found to be a potential candidate for methanol oxidation in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) applications. Product analysis was carried out through Gas Chromatography (GC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the formation of formic acid during the oxidation process, with approximately 62% yield.
Highlights
The human appetite for energy is constantly growing and becoming increasingly difficult to satiate
To attain Ni-benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC)-MOF/reduced graphene oxide (rGO), a solvothermal method was used for the synthesis
In order to prepare Ni-BTC composites with rGO, a sequence of experiments was performed with varying amounts of rGO
Summary
The human appetite for energy is constantly growing and becoming increasingly difficult to satiate. The world’s enormous energy demands are mainly met by nonrenewable and environmentally unfriendly fossil fuels; the development of vital energy sources for an increasingly thriving world to mitigate fossil fuel resource depletion and environmental pollution are pressing issues for society [1,2]. A variety of fuel cells are available that are divergent in their operating temperature, electrical efficiency, power output, and typical applications. Among these different fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are a remarkable option for portable devices and light duty vehicles because of their high energy density, inexpensive nature, reduced corrosion, easy handling of liquid
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
