An Fe-MOF nanosheet array with superior activity towards the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

It is highly desired to develop high-performance non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solutions. In this communication, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of an Fe-MOF nanosheet array on nickel foam (Fe-MOF/NF) using aqueous Fe³⁺ and terephthalic acid as precursors. Such an Fe-MOF/NF shows superior electrocatalytic performance towards the OER in 1.0 M KOH with a low overpotential of 240 mV at 50 mA cm⁻² and a small Tafel slope of 72 mV dec⁻¹. Notably, this catalyst also exhibits high long-term electrochemical durability to maintain its activity for at least 30 h. Moreover, this catalyst electrode achieves a high turnover frequency of 0.74 mol O₂ per s at an overpotential of 300 mV.