Preparation and electrochemical activity of platinum catalyst-supported graphene and Fe-based metal-organic framework composite electrodes for fuel cells

[Display omitted] •Graphene oxide composites modified by Fe-containing metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared.•Fe-MOF could be considered a spacer that prevents graphene restacking.•The Pt-graphene/Fe-MOF (1:2) catalyst exhibited the highest ECSA (261.83 m2/g) and forward current density (393 mA/mgPt).•Improved activity depends on the synergistic effects of the 3D integration of Fe-MOF and 2D-graphene materials. Platinum catalysts supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and an N-doped iron-based metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF) composite were prepared, and their activity was analyzed. The Pt-rGO/Fe-MOF composites were synthesized using hydrothermal and polyol processes in a Teflon-lined autoclave. Electroactivities were measured by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, and morphological analysis was performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The composite material provides a small particle size, homogeneous dispersion, large adsorption area of platinum and it is used as an effective electron and proton transport path, so exhibits high electrochemical surface area and excellent methanol oxidation performance. The electrochemical properties of Pt-rGO/Fe-MOF are better than those of Pt-rGO or pristine Pt-(Fe-MOF), which demonstrates that rGO/Fe-MOF could be used as a promising catalyst support for direct methanol fuel cells.