Metal–organic framework derived synergistic carbon nanoarchitectures boost bifunctional electrocatalytic performances toward methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction in Pt-nanoparticles

Abstract

Anchoring platinum (Pt) catalysts on appropriate supports through nanoarchitectonics is crucial in achieving a desirable high-performance electrode with low Pt content for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). This manuscript presents the development of two low Pt-content electrocatalysts, Pt-NP@CNR and Pt-NP@CNF, synthesized from the same precursor MOF via two different pyrolysis techniques. Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the Pt-NP@CNR exhibits superior bifunctional activity for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction (MOR) and Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) compared to Pt-NP@CNF. This enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect between Pt-NPs and the high-surface area of porous carbon rod, which serves as the base material in Pt-NP@CNR. Pt-NP@CNR displays an impressive mass activity of 2.12 A mgPt−1, with exceptional cycle stability and minimal catalytic poisoning during MOR. Additionally, it achieves a remarkable E1/2 value of 0.71 V (vs. RHE), a maximum kinetic current density of approximately 2.13 mA cm−2, and low peroxide production, outperforming Pt-NP@CNF and commercial 10 % Pt/C in an alkaline medium. These findings demonstrate Pt-NP@CNR as a promising candidate for future commercializing of an efficient electrode for DMFCs due to its outstanding catalytic performance and versatile characteristics.