2D Trimetal-organic framework derived metal carbon hybrid catalyst for urea electro-oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction

Because of the abundance of transition metals, their enhanced electrochemical/chemical efficiency on par with the benchmark catalysts, long-term stability, etc., the expansion of transition metal/metal oxide-based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution, urea oxidation reactions and 4-nitrophenol reduction becomes indispensable. In particular, the abundant availability along with improved electrochemical performance is crucial for fuel cell applications when it comes to large scale commercialization. In this work, we report the synthesis of a trimetallic metal-organic framework based on Ni, Co and Zn using BTC as a linker and the preparation of its metal oxide - carbon composites at different temperatures, 600, 700 and 800 °C (TM-MOF-600, TM-MOF-700, and TM-MOF-800) by carbonization under an inert atmosphere. The PXRD pattern of TM-MOF complemented well with the simulated XRD patterns of Co–Ni-BTC MOF as well as Zn-BTC MOF, whereas the PXRD pattern of the carbonized samples indicated the presence of three types of metal oxides i.e., CoO, NiO, and ZnO. TEM indicated spherical morphology of TM-MOF, upon calcination, an irregular agglomeration occurred and the average particle size was found to be 60–110 nm. The as-prepared TM-MOF and its carbon composites were tested for their electrocatalytic as well as catalytic activities towards oxygen evolution, urea oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction reactions. Electrochemical results indicate the better performance of TM-MOF-800 in both OER and UOR reactions with an onset potential of 1.66 V (OER) and 1.37 V (UOR) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The long-term stability of these catalysts under alkaline conditions indicates excellent stability. Besides, the urea electrolyzed products were analyzed by gas chromatography to get clear insights on the formed products. Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of excess NaBH4 showed excellent conversion to 4-amino phenol in short duration.