Ti-MOF-derived titanium oxycarbonitride for high-durability oxygen reduction reaction catalysts

Abstract

Titanium oxycarbonitride (TiOxCyNz) was synthesized using a metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-125-NH2, as a precursor. TiOxCyNz was prepared through the carbonization of the MOF and optimized as a supporting material with a high surface area and uniform structure. The MOF synthesis process was tailored by adjusting the metal-to-ligand ratio and solvent composition to enhance particle size and structural uniformity. TiOxCyNz was thermally treated at 1000 degrees C, resulting in a stable structure with a high nitrogen and carbon composition, thereby enhancing metal-support interactions and improving electron transfer capabilities. Uniformly loaded Pt nanoparticles on TiOxCyNz exhibited 2.3 times higher mass activity for the oxygen reduction reaction compared to commercial Pt/C, along with exceptional durability under long-term accelerated degradation tests. This study demonstrates the potential of TiOxCyNz as a high-performance catalyst support for fuel cells and sustainable energy system.