Platinum-Nickel alloy supported on Nitrogen-Doped carbon modified titanium nitride nanotubes derived from metalorganic frameworks as an efficient catalyst for methanol electrooxidation

Synthesis of high-performance MOR electrocatalysts is of vital importance for the development of DMFCs as a viable technology for portable applications. Herein, we present a systematic study of a nanostructured Pt99Ni1/ TiN NTs@NC catalyst for MOR, synthesized by a process concluding solvothermal, chelation, post-nitriding, and ethylene glycol reduction. The simultaneous production of TiN NTs@NC and Ni nanoclusters was obtained from the Ni/TiO2 NTs@PDA complexes derived from Ni-MOF and its pyrolysis under NH3 annealing process. The Ni/ TiN NTs@NC substrate is in possession of a mesoporous nanotubes structure with unique sharp nanothorns on surface owing to the usage of Ni-MOF as precursor, resulting in the homogeneous distribution and intimate contact of Ni nanoclusters on the TiN NTs@NC substrate. The unique nanostructure, formation of open active diffusion channels and a large number of accessible active sites on supports provided an opportunity for nucleation and growth of PtNi alloys, leading to the improved metal-support interaction. The formation of PtNi alloys with small size and well-dispersion view not only improves the synergistic effect of electronics and strain but also weakens interaction between Pt and intermediate. Benefiting from above advantages, the Pt99Ni1/TiN NTs@NC exhibits superior MOR performance with enhanced catalytic activity, remarkable CO-resilient capacity, and excellent stability.