Surface chemistry-controlled growth of NiBDC on carbon nanotubes governs urea oxidation activity

Abstract

CNT surface chemistry dictates NiBDC growth and UOR performance. –OH groups preserve CNT structure and enhance electron transfer; –NH2 triggers carbothermal reduction to Ni0, disrupting graphitic order; pristine CNTs provide weak π–π interactions. The –OH catalyst achieves 10 mA cm-2 at 1.328 V, establishing a key surface–activity relationship.