Electrocatalytically active cobalt-based metal–organic framework with incorporated macroporous carbon composite for electrochemical applications

Abstract

A cobalt-based MOF (Co-MOF) and macroporous carbon (MPC) composite has been synthesised for the first time using a one-step hydrothermal treatment of the Co-MOF precursor mixture and MPC. The carbon skeleton exhibited a restrictive effect on the growth of Co-MOF crystallites; thus, the sizes of the crystallites matched well with those of the macropores of the MPC matrix. The formation of the composite material was verified by detailed characterisation (i.e., X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and thermogravimetric analyses). The obtained nanosized and nanocrystalline Co-MOF composite with incorporated MPC exhibited greatly improved electrochemical activity. More importantly, this composite, which displays excellent electrocatalytic ability for the oxidation of hydrazine and the reduction of nitrobenzene, can be used as a good electrochemical sensing platform.