Bimetallic organic frameworks derived CuNi/carbon nanocomposites as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Catalysts of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) play key roles in renewable energy technologies such as metal-air batteries and fuel cells. Despite tremendous efforts, highly active catalysts with low cost remain elusive. This work used metal-organic frameworks to synthesize non-precious bimetallic carbon nanocomposites as efficient ORR catalysts. Although carbon-based Cu and Ni are good candidates, the hybrid nanocomposites take advantage of both metals to improve catalytic activity. The resulting molar ratio of Cu/Ni in the nanocomposites can be finely controlled by tuning the recipe of the precursors. Nanocomposites with a series of molar ratios were produced, and they exhibited much better ORR catalytic performance than their monometallic counterparts in terms of limited current density, onset potential and half-wave potential. In addition, their extraordinary stability in alkaline is superior to that of commercially-available Pt-based materials, which adds to the appeal of the bimetallic carbon nanocomposites as ORR catalysts. Their improved performance can be attributed to the synergetic effects of Cu and Ni, and the enhancement of the carbon matrix.