Synthesis and Characterization of Palladium Impregnated MIL-53(Fe) as Cathode Material of Supercapacitor

Recently, Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have been widely applied due to their high energy storage capacitance, customizable pore sizes, and open metal sites; however, their application in the form of electrode materials has been restricted due to their poor electrical conductivity. The present study reports the fast synthesis of MIL-53(Fe) and Pd/MIL-53(Fe) using the solvothermal method. To assess the electrochemical potential of materials and better understand the role of palladium in the presence of MOF, the electrodes of materials were constructed and electrochemical performances of both samples were investigated based on cyclic voltammetry in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Due to the existence of Pd in redox reaction and larger surface area, the Pd/MIL-53(Fe) showed greater electrochemical efficiency  and higher specific capacitance than MIL-53(Fe). The obtained results also indicated that designing MOF via decoration of noble metal nanoparticle (MOF/noble metal) would find potential applications in the field of supercapacitors and catalysis.