Shaggy-like Ru-clusters decorated core-shell metal-organic framework-derived CoOx@NPC as high-efficiency catalyst for NaBH4 hydrolysis

Abstract

Achieving high catalytic performance with the lowest possible amount of noble metal is critical for any catalytic applications. Herein, we report a controllable method of preparing low Ru loaded, N-doped porous carbon embedded with cobalt oxide species (Ru/CoOx@NPC) using core-shell metal-organic framework (MOF) as a template. The optimized catalyst exhibits a highly powerful yet stable performance of H2 production through sodium borohydride (NaBH4) hydrolysis. The Ru/CoOx@NPC catalyst shows a fast H2 generation rate (8019.5 mL min−1 gcat−1), high turnover frequency (1118.6 mol min−1 molRu−1), and reusability. The carbonized ZIF-8 core and the ZIF-67 outer shell supplies a porous carbon moiety that not only improves the conductivity and but also provides uniform distribution of the active sites. The XPS analysis indicates that there is a strong electronic interaction between Co species and Ru species. The superior catalytic performance can be attributable to the large specific surface area as well as the synergy between Co-oxide and Ru clusters.