Pillared-MOF@NiV-LDH Composite as a Remarkable Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage and Conversion

Background:

• The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for energy technologies but is kinetically limited.
• Development of efficient, stable, and cost-effective noble-metal-free electrocatalysts is essential.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) show promise but require further optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel pillared-MOF@NiV-LDH nanocomposite.
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
• To investigate the stability and synergistic effects within the composite material.

Main Methods:

• A simple protocol was used to assemble the pillared-MOF@NiV-LDH nanocomposite.
• Electrocatalytic activity was assessed using techniques like cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry in 1 M KOH.
• Characterization of the material's structure, surface area, and electroactive sites was performed.

Main Results:

• The pillared-MOF@NiV-LDH nanocomposite exhibited remarkable OER efficiency with a low overpotential of 238 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 62 mV dec⁻¹.
• Performance was comparable to the reference IrO₂ catalyst and superior to most reported LDH- and MOF-based systems.
• Excellent stability was demonstrated through 70 hours of chronopotentiometry and 7000 cycles of linear-sweep voltammetry.

Conclusions:

• The pillared-MOF@NiV-LDH nanocomposite is a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for OER.
• Synergistic effects between the pillared-MOF and NiV-LDH components, along with the porous structure and high surface area, contribute to its superior performance.
• This work presents the first example of blending NiV-LDH with MOF for OER, opening avenues for designing advanced multicomponent materials for energy applications.