MOF-derived ZnCo2O4 porous micro-rice with enhanced electro-catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction and glucose oxidation

Abstract

A porous ZnCo₂O₄ micro-rice like microstructure was synthesized via calcination of a Zn–Co MOF precursor at an appropriate temperature. The as-prepared ZnCo₂O₄ sample presented good electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction performance with a small overpotential (η₁₀ = 389 mV) and high stability in basic electrolyte. Furthermore, in basic medium, the as-synthesized ZnCo₂O₄ micro-rice also showed good electrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation. A ZnCo₂O₄ micro-rice modified glass carbon electrode may be used as a potential non-enzymatic glucose sensor. The excellent electrocatalytic OER and glucose oxidation performances of ZnCo₂O₄ might be attributed to the unique porous structure formed by the nanoparticles. The porous architecture of the micro-rice can provide a large number of electrocatalytically active sites and high electrochemical surface area (ECSA). The result may offer a new way to prepare low-cost and high performance oxygen evolution reaction and glucose oxidation electrocatalysts.