CuNi sulphidation maximizes MOR activity by expanding the accessibility of active sites!

Sulphidation of a CuNi alloy of Cu : Ni ratio 81 : 19 led to an exponential activity enhancement in the alkaline methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) by four fold due to an order of magnitude increase in the number of active Cu and Ni sites and improved charge transfer properties. Sulphidation through hydrothermal treatment increases ECASs for Cu and Ni by an order of magnitude and the performance of the MOR selectively for HCOOH formation.