Metal–organic framework mediated Ni-deposition on MWCNTs for direct methanol fuel cell catalysis

Abstract Herein, we present the utilization of Ni2+-doped, amine-functionalized, UiO-66-NH2 metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles deposited onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a precursor to generate electrocatalytically active catalyst towards methanol (MeOH) oxidation. The electrode material displayed an onset potential of 0.42 V (vs Hg/HgO) with maximum activity at 1 M MeOH concentration (143 mA/cm2 current density at 0.6 V vs Hg/HgO). The catalyst also demonstrated high stability, retaining 93.5% of its initial activity under continuous electrolysis for 1 h, and 84.1% after 10 h.