High Efficiency FeNi-Metal-Organic Framework Grown In-situ on Nickel Foam for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution

Efficient and stable electrocatalysts are important for mitigating the energy crisis. Metal-organic frameworks have attracted increased attention as a new type of electrocatalytic material. Here, a self-assembled three-dimensional FeNi-metal-organic framework electrode was synthesized in situ on a nickel foam by a solvent-thermal method, which is used directly in the oxygen-evolution reaction. The internal porous structure and synergy between the Fe and Ni metals enhance OER activity. Fe introduction enhanced the Ni electron density, increased the active sites and yielded excellent electrocatalytic performance. A low peak potential that started at 1.36 V was observed. The overpotential was only 190 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2), which corresponded to a small Tafel slope of 27.6 mV dec(-1). The overpotential was only 223 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm(-2). The stability of the electrode that was prepared in situ was improved significantly. No significant decrease in performance resulted during the 16-h stability test.