The overarching goal of the project is to develop novel, low cost, PGM-free, MOF-based heterostructure catalysts containing fullerene and mxene that demonstrate outstanding ORR-OER activity and…

The overarching goal of the project is to develop novel, low cost, PGM-free, MOF-based heterostructure catalysts containing fullerene and mxene that demonstrate outstanding ORR-OER activity and stability in alkaline reversible fuel cells (showing progress towards DOE's ultimate goal of 65% roundtrip efficiency and =0.125%/1000 HR activity loss for low-temperature reversible fuel cells). To achieve this, we will leverage our unique BTA and BTC-based MOF platform and the team's expertise in creating novel interdimensional heterostructures. Further, through a symbiotic theoretical exploration, we will establish a structure-activity-stability relationship that will aid the future development of MOF-based heterostructure catalysts for sustainable energy applications. The specific project objectives are: objective 1: create engineered mofs and heterostructures objective 2: develop structure-activity correlation and conduct device testing objective 3: theoretical probing of catalysts to unravel the fundamentals