A 2D metal-organic framework/Ni(OH)₂ heterostructure for an enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show promise as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their unique properties.
• However, aggregation of 2D MOFs hinders their application in OER.
• Developing strategies to maintain the structure and enhance the performance of 2D MOFs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel 2D Ni-BDC/Ni(OH)2 hybrid nanosheets.
• To investigate their potential as electrocatalysts for the OER.
• To address the aggregation issue of 2D MOFs.

Main Methods:

• Facile sonication-assisted solution method for synthesizing 2D Ni-BDC/Ni(OH)2 hybrid nanosheets.
• Characterization of material properties and surface area.
• Electrochemical testing for OER activity, kinetics, and durability.

Main Results:

• The synthesized Ni-BDC/Ni(OH)2 hybrid nanosheets maintained a large surface area.
• Coupling with Ni(OH)2 modified the electronic structure of Ni atoms, increasing their oxidation state.
• The hybrid material exhibited significantly enhanced OER activity (82.5 mA cm-2 at 1.6 V vs RHE) and durability compared to individual components and Ir/C.

Conclusions:

• The developed 2D Ni-BDC/Ni(OH)2 hybrid nanosheets are effective electrocatalysts for OER, overcoming aggregation limitations.
• The sonication-assisted method is versatile for preparing various 2D MOF-based hybrid materials.
• This work provides a new avenue for designing high-performance electrocatalysts based on 2D MOFs.