Cu-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles supported metal organic framework-derived nanoporous carbon as a catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

This work is allocated to preparation of Cu-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles supported nanoporous carbon composite (Cu-Pt/NPCC). This composite is synthesized by two steps procedure involving preparation of Cu/NPCC according to templating method through direct carbonization of metal organic framework-199 (MOP-199) as a template in N-2 atmosphere at 900 degrees C. This procedure is followed by partial galvanic replacement of Cu metals by Pt-IV ions, upon immersion in a hexachloroplatinic acid solution. The physical and electrochemical characterization of the materials are achieved by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption and cyclic voltammetry (CV) methods. The EDS analysis has proven that the partial galvanic replacement is occurred. This composite is tested for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) results have shown that the Cu-Pt/NPCC modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibit higher current density and less negative value of potential towards HER rather than the bare GCE. This is attributed to synergetic effect of the Cu-Pt bimetallic catalyst and uniform distribution of the Pt nanoparticles at the electrode surface. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.