Bimetal-organic framework MIL-53(Co-Fe): an efficient and robust electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Developing efficient catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is vital for sustainable energy technologies.
• Current challenges lie in achieving high activity and stability in OER catalysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel bimetal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst for enhanced OER performance.
• To investigate the synergetic effects of Co and Fe in MOFs for OER.

Main Methods:

• A Co/Fe-imidazole-based bimetal-organic framework nanosheet array (MIL-53(Co-Fe)/NF) was synthesized using a solvothermal method.
• Electrochemical performance for OER was evaluated, including overpotential and durability.

Main Results:

• MIL-53(Co-Fe)/NF exhibited excellent OER activity with a low overpotential of 262 mV at 100 mA cm⁻².
• The bimetal MOF catalyst showed performance comparable to precious RuO₂ and superior to single-metal MOFs.
• The catalyst demonstrated outstanding long-term electrochemical durability for over 80 hours.

Conclusions:

• The synergetic effect between Co and Fe in the bimetal-organic framework is crucial for high OER activity.
• MIL-53(Co-Fe)/NF presents a promising, cost-effective alternative to precious metal catalysts for OER.