Novel Co-MOF-71/GO Composites as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation Reaction in DMFC

Abstract

In this study activity of cobalt based MOF and its composites with graphene oxide towards electrochemical oxidation of methanol is studied. Co-MOF-71 and its GO composites were prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD patterns revealed incorporation of GO without disturbing the crystal structure. The synthesized catalysts were tested for their electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in alkaline medium. The electrochemical parameters measured with modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) represent the effect of graphene oxide on methanol oxidation reaction catalysed by Co-MOF-71. The Co-MOF-71/GO composite showed excellent peak current density (29.1 mA/cm2) at lower potential (0.1 V) and at low scan rate of 50 mV/s. The enhanced electrochemical activity is attributed to the synergistic effects of the MOF and the GO substrate for methanol oxidation.