Selective oxidation of methanol into value-added chemical over alkali etched silver nanowire-Ni-ZIF composite

Abstract

Here, we use an alkaline etching strategy for constructing defect-rich silver nanowire@nickel-based imidazole zeolite framework core–shell nanostructures (D-Ag NWs-Ni-ZIF) and explore their application as electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation anodes. Benefiting from abundant unsaturated metal sites and a unique core–shell structure, the prepared D-Ag NWs-Ni-ZIF catalyst exhibits good electrocatalytic activity. When used as an anode material, it can selectively convert methanol into value-added formate, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² at 1.313 V (versus RHE). These results indicate that the methanol upgrading reaction can serve as a promising alternative to the kinetically slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER), helping to promote hydrogen generation while reducing the overall energy consumption of electrochemical water splitting. We hope this work can provide a feasible and economical strategy for integrated electrochemical hydrogen production and formate synthesis.