One-step conversion of tannic acid-modified ZIF-67 into oxygen defect hollow Co3O4/nitrogen-doped carbon for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution

Abstract

Controllable structure and defect design are considered as efficient strategies to boost the electrochemical activity and stability of catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, oxygen defect hollow Co₃O₄/nitrogen-doped carbon (O_V-HCo₃O₄@NC) composites were successfully synthesized using tannic acid-modified ZIF-67 (TAMZIF-67) as the precursor through a one-step pyrolysis. Tannic acid provides abundant oxygen during the pyrolysis process of the modified ZIF-67, which can contribute to the formation of oxygen defects and the construction of a hollow structure. The existence of oxygen defects is shown by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance, whereas the hollow structure is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The optimized O_V-HCo₃O₄@NC shows good electrocatalytic activity and exhibits a low overpotential of 360 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in 0.1 M KOH due to the hollow structure, abundant oxygen defects, and good electrical conductivity. This work provides valuable insights into the exploration of promising OER electrocatalysts with oxygen defects and special structures.