Design of BiMn-doped Pd modified GO/MOF-74-Co composites for electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene glycol

BiMn co-doped Pd alloy nanoparticles were successfully modified on the 3D pyramidal columnar-like reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-74-Co to obtain a new composite electrocatalyst PdBiMn@rGO/MOF-74-Co in which the mean particle diameter of Pd-Bi-Mn particles was about 7.8 nm, and MOF-74-Co was a porous face-centered hexagonal unit cell. PdBiMn@rGO/MOF-74-Co catalyst exhibites the highest catalytic activity and durability towards ethylene glycol (EG) electrooxidation under alkaline condition. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to the strong synergistic effects of Pd, Bi and Mn nanoalloys and abundant reaction active sites in the catalyst, which are beneficial to adsorb more oxygen-containing substances and significantly enhance the resistance to toxicity and stability of the ternary catalyst. Furthermore, the unique microstructure of rGO/MOF-74-Co can provide superior electron transfer properties and multi-porous for the PdBiMn@rGO/MOF-74-Co electrocatalyst. Besides, the mechanism of electrocatalytic oxidation of EG drew up a detailed analysis. The novel composites’ design and outstanding performance would provide an essential reference for the application and development of direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs).