Fe-CoP/C composite nanoplate derived from 2D porphyrin MOF as an efficient catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The preparation of two-dimensional (2D) composite material consisting of an active metal-based phase and carbon matrix is still a challenge. Herein, the 2D bimetal Co-TCPP(Fe) metal–organic framework (MOF) is synthesized and then adopted as the precursor to prepare a 2D composite electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). After carbonization and phosphorization, the 2D MOF is transformed into a composite nanoplate formed by Fe-doped CoP nanoparticles and a carbon matrix (Fe-CoP/C). This Fe-CoP/C composite exhibits a favorable OER performance in 1 M KOH with a low overpotential of 290 mV at 10 mA cm⁻², which is better than that of counterparts without Fe and 2D morphology. The in situ formed metal (oxy)hydroxide is considered to be the main active species for the OER. The improved OER performance of Fe-CoP/C could be attributed to the Fe-doping in Co (oxy)hydroxide as well as the high electrochemical surface area induced by the 2D nanoplate morphology and conductive carbon network.