Cobalt-based MOF-derived carbon electrocatalysts with tunable architecture for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Development of the hydrogen economy requires the design of catalysts that increase the rate of the accompanying sluggish kinetic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This is a key process in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, such as water splitting and metal-air batteries. The OER needs high overpotential and typically expensive precious metal-based catalysts. Therefore, designing low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for OER is of paramount importance. In addition to focusing on the number of active sites or high specific surface area, the correlation between catalyst particle shape and performance should be considered. This work presents an electrocatalytic activity comparison of cobalt-containing carbons with different morphologies in the OER process. Employing metal-organic frameworks as carbon and metal precursors, the materials in the shape of polyhedrons, needles, unique spherical hedgehogs, and sea urchins were obtained. The effect of MOF template infiltration with additional carbon source on the physicochemical properties of electrocatalysts was also examined. The furfuryl alcohol-impregnated needle-shaped particles were characterized by a high content of cobalt active sites, surrounded by nitrogen-containing graphite layers. Electrochemical tests confirmed their best activity (overpotential 317 mV@10 mA/cm²), long stability (up to 20 h), as well as low reagents diffusion limitations (Tafel slope 57 mV/dec up to 24 mA/cm²). The vertically aligned structure of the catalyst contributed to improved detachment of the oxygen bubbles produced.