Metal-organic framework derived iron-nickel sulfide nanorods for oxygen evolution reaction

Highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on noble metal-free catalysts is a major challenge for green hydrogen production. We report herein a rational preparation strategy for MOF-derived chalcogenide electrocatalysts. The optimal sulfuration time is 12 h under the conditions of the theoretical Fe/Ni ratio of 1:1 and treatment temperature at 120 degrees C. In this case, the pyrite Fe0.75Ni0.25S2 nanorods combining with amorphous FeNiOOH formed in situ exhibit a low overpotential of 247 mV with a small Tafel slope of 47.6 mV dec(-1) at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) in alkaline media along with high electrochemical stability for OER. The enhanced performance is derived from the synergistic effect between FeNi sulfide with favorable electrical conductivity and generated (oxy)hydroxides with high intrinsic activity. More importantly, the more active sites and appropriate mesoporous structure further facilitate electrocatalytic activity due to improved mass transfer. This facile synthesis method is a potential pathway for MOF derived highly efficient electrocatalysis for sustainable hydrogen product. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study presents a rational preparation strategy for MOF-derived chalcogenide electrocatalysts with high efficiency in oxygen evolution reaction. The optimized sulfuration time and treatment conditions result in materials with low overpotential and high electrochemical stability for OER, showing great potential for sustainable hydrogen production.