The optimization of hydrogen evolution performance by removing guest molecules in Co-MOF

Abstract

In order to solve the current energy crisis, the improvement of hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts is a very effective way. Herein, one cobalt-based metal–organic framework (Co-PIPA, PIPA = 5-(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalic acid) with 4,4′-dibromo-1,1′-biphenyl as guest molecules was synthesized. Next, we removed the guest molecules in the channels by soaking the Co-PIPA in ethanol (named Co-PIPA-ethanol). Co-PIPA and Co-PIPA-ethanol were pyrolyzed to obtain the derived material, Co-PIPA-T and Co-PIPA-ethanol-T. Their electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution results confirmed that Co-PIPA-ethanol-T has a better hydrogen evolution performance. This work provides the possibility for further regulating the pore channels of the catalyst to optimize the electrocatalytic performance.