Role of laser ablation synthesis parameters in ORR electrocatalytic performance of MOF-derived hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract

This study presents a rapid, eco-friendly, and scalable method for fabricating non-precious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using Laser Ablation Synthesis in Solution (LASiS). We demonstrate that by optimizing the laser output power and ablation time, Co-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be directly synthesized and converted into hybrid nanocomposites composed of Co₃O₄, CoO, and metallic Co embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon. These materials exhibit high porosity, stable crystalline structures, and enhanced ORR activity, including a four-electron transfer pathway, excellent durability, and performance comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts. Compared with traditional hydrothermal methods, LASiS provides a template-free and solvent-minimizing alternative that enables precise control over particle size, structure, and composition in a single-step process. This work highlights the potential of LASiS as a powerful tool to develop next-generation sustainable energy materials.