Metal-organic framework-derived nickel-based catalyst for hydrogen oxidation reaction

Abstract

Ni-based catalysts with lower activity remain the key to restricting the practical application of anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in anion exchange membrane fuel cells. In this work, Ni-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are synthesized and pyrolyzed to prepare high catalytic activity Ni/C HOR catalysts. The carbon substrate generated by the decomposition of the MOFs ligand reduces the Ni2+ into Ni nanoparticles in situ at high temperature, and wraps and confines the Ni nanoparticles. In addition, the graphitized carbon catalyzed by Ni effectively prevents the aggregation of Ni nanoparticles and improves the conduction of electrons. Benefited from the rational design, Ni/C-380 exhibits excellent mass activity (27.1 A g-1 at the overpotential of 50 mV) and exchange current density (1.27 mA cm-2).