Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of CoCu-MOF/polyaniline for glycerol oxidation

The novel CoCu metal-organic framework (CoCu-MOF) precursor and CoCu-MOF/polyaniline (CoCu-MOF/PANI) electrode materials were synthesized by hydrothermal method and in situ polymerization, respectively. The as-synthesized CoCu-MOF/PANI and corresponding composite were first tested for their electrocatalytic performance towards glycerol oxidation in KOH solution and then the selection and optimization were further carried out for the CoCu-MOF/PANI composite. The preferred material was subjected to a group of electrochemical performance tests such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Tafel, and chronoamperometry. The results show that among the various electrode materials, the as-synthesized CoCu-MOF1/PANI1 hybrid exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity at the scanning speed of 100 mV s−1. EIS test manifests that the CoCu-MOF1/PANI1 has the lower impedance. Tafel test reveals that CoCu-MOF1/PANI1 is beneficial to increase the oxidation rate of glycerol. Chronoamperometry and CO stripping declare CoCu-MOF1/PANI1 has better stability and CO anti-poisoning relative to commercial Pt/C (20 wt%)-SA. The enhancement of electrochemical properties, stability and CO resistance is ascribed to the synergetic effect of CoCu-MOF and PANI substrate on the oxidation of glycerol.