Immobilization of Gold Nanoparticles on Postsynthetically Modified NU-1000 for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

NU-1000, being a hydrothermally stable metal- organic framework (MOF), with structural robustness is viable for functionalization with various entities. A postsynthetic modification strategy called solvent-assisted ligand incorporation (SALI) is chosen for functionalizing NU-1000 with thiol moieties using 2mercaptobenzoic acid. In accordance with soft acid-soft base interactions, the thiol groups on NU-1000, as a scaffold, can immobilize the gold nanoparticles without much aggregation. The catalytically active gold sites on thiolated NU-1000 are utilized for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The catalyst delivered an overpotential of 101 mV at a current density of 10 mAcm-2 in 0.5 M H2SO4. The faster charge transfer kinetics determined from the Tafel slope of 44 mV/dec enhances the HER activity. The sustainable performance of the catalyst for 36 h proves its utility as a potential catalyst to produce neat hydrogen.

Automated summary

NU-1000, a hydrothermally stable metal-organic framework, was functionalized with thiol moieties using a solvent-assisted ligand incorporation strategy. The thiolated NU-1000 can immobilize gold nanoparticles and exhibit catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The catalyst showed sustainable performance and holds potential as a catalyst for hydrogen production.