Carbon quantum dot-mediated binary metal–organic framework nanosheets for efficient oxygen evolution at ampere-level current densities in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers

Abstract

The widespread utilization of noble metal-based catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is hindered by their rarity and substantial expense, posing significant challenges for large-scale applications. Therefore, developing an efficient OER electrocatalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a bottom-up synthesis strategy utilizing ultrasound-assisted exfoliation to design nickel–iron bimetallic organic framework (NiFe-MOF) nanosheets with high electrooxidation activity, in situ induced by carbon quantum dots (CQDs). This approach eliminates the reliance on intricate and inefficient exfoliation techniques, producing NiFe-MOF nanosheets with a regulated thickness of just 10 nm. This enhanced electron transport induced by CQDs plays a pivotal role in improving the OER performance of NiFe-MOF, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of only 280 mV, with a Tafel slope of 71.98 mV dec−1, lower Rct, and larger ECSA. In situ FTIR spectroscopy suggests that the OER mechanism in NiFe-MOF-CQD mainly follows the adsorbate evolution mechanism. The NiFe-MOF-CQD catalyst demonstrates remarkable durability and resilience during PEM water electrolysis, reaching industrially relevant current densities of 2 A cm−2 at 2 V. This research's results not only promote green and low-carbon development but also inject new vitality into the development of hydrogen energy technologies.

Graphical abstract: Carbon quantum dot-mediated binary metal–organic framework nanosheets for efficient oxygen evolution at ampere-level current densities in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
25 Sep 2024
Accepted
24 Oct 2024
First published
01 Nov 2024

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article

Carbon quantum dot-mediated binary metal–organic framework nanosheets for efficient oxygen evolution at ampere-level current densities in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers

Q. Ni, S. Zhang, K. Wang, H. Guo, J. Zhang, M. Wu and L. Wang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D4TA06855F

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