Hierarchical nanocomposite electrocatalyst of bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework and MoS2 sheets for non-Pt methanol oxidation and water splitting

We have explored a nanocomposite composed of a bimetallic CoNi-zeolitic imidazole framework embedded by MoS2 nanosheets (MoS2@CoNi-ZIF), as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for non-Pt methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and overall water splitting in an alkaline solution. The series of MoS2@CoNi-ZIF nanocomposites exhibit different catalytic activities. Significantly, the MoS2@CoNi-ZIF nanosheet with a ratio of MoS2:CoNi-ZIF = 3:1 (MoS2@CoNi-ZIF(3-1)) shows the excellent electrocatalytic activity for MOR, affording an oxidation potential at 1.6 V, also with high catalytic current density and durability. Moreover, the MoS2@CoNi-ZIF(3-1) nano composite shows a superior electrocatalytic performance toward HER and OER. When the MoS2@CoNi-ZIF(3-1) was applied as the bifunctional catalyst for both the anode and cathode, the voltage applied to a two-electrode cell is 1.55V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) for overall water splitting. This work provides a promising electrocatalyst for developing high-performance non-Pt-based clean energy and fuel cells in alkaline solution.