Ni-based metal organic frameworks doped with reduced graphene oxide as an effective anode catalyst in direct ethanol fuel cell

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), with their boosted energy density and efficiency, are poised to supplant secondary batteries in the near future. However, the pricy and low-durability of Pt-based anode catalyst used in these cells have hampered the development of this technology. We successfully created a Ni-MOF @ nickel foam (NF) to operate as an anode for a DEFC. We next enhanced the electrical conductivity of these produced electrodes with graphene and tested them towards ethanol oxidation in a basic solution. The study looked at the electrodes` surface shape, crystalline structure, chemical and electrical properities, among other things. Furthermore, the electrochemical activity and durability of the prepared electrodes were examined. These tests demonstrated the successful formation of the MOF @ the surface of the NF, with and without reduced graphene oxide. The produced materials outperformed plain Ni foam in terms of ethanol oxidation activity, and the graphene doping significantly enhanced this activity. A 0.35 V onset potential was obtained, with current output increasing concurrently with ethanol oxidation up to 0.5 M before stabilizing. The superior activity was attributed to the prepared electrodes` perfect nano-sheet structure, high porosity, and outstanding mass and charge transport characteristics. The addition of reduced graphene oxide enhanced charge transfer and thus improved the overall performance.