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

Key Points

• The aim is to understand how surface chemistry affects the growth of NiBDC on carbon nanotubes and its impact on urea oxidation activity.
• Examined the influence of hydroxyl and amino groups on NiBDC growth on carbon nanotubes.
• Analyzed the effect of pristine and modified carbon nanotubes on urea oxidation performance.
• Hydroxyl groups enhance electron transfer and preserve carbon nanotube structure.
• Amino groups trigger carbothermal reduction to Ni0, affecting the graphitic order negatively.