Novel Co-MOF/Graphene Oxide Electrocatalyst for Methanol Oxidation

In this work the catalytic activity of cobalt based MOF and its composites with graphene oxide (GO) 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, XPS, scanning electron microscopy and 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 GCE represent the effect of graphene oxide on methanol oxidation reaction catalysed by Co-MOF-71. Co-MOF-71/GO composite showed excellent peak current density (29.1 mA/cm2) at lower potential (0.1 V) and scan rate of 50 mV/s. The enhanced electrochemical activity and stability is attributed to the synergetic effect of the MOF and the GO substrate for methanol oxidation.