Rhodium nanoparticles anchored on 3D metal organic framework-graphene hybrid architectures for high-performance electrocatalysts toward methanol oxidation

Abstract

The development of advanced and efficient anode catalysts to accelerate the kinetic rate of methanol oxidation plays an important role in the large-scale commercial application of the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Herein, we report the design and construction of small-sized rhodium nanocrystals decorated on 3D hybrid aerogels built from graphene and metal-organic framework (Rh/G-ZIF) via a solvothermal co-assembly method. Benefiting from the 3D rigid crosslinked architecture, abundant porous channels, and highly dispersed ultrafine Rh nanoparticles, the optimized Rh/G-ZIF aerogel exhibits a large electrochemically active surface area, high mass and specific activities, and excellent long-term durability toward the methanol electrooxidation, all of which are significantly superior to those of Rh catalysts supported by traditional carbon materials (such as carbon black, carbon nanotube, and graphene).

Keywords

• Rhodium
• Graphene
• Metal organic frameworks
• Aerogels
• Electrocatalysts