Lattice-strained metal–organic frameworks synthesized via microwave assistance promote the oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

The development of highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts is urgently needed for electrochemical energy conversion processes, which typically depend on structural regulation strategies. Herein, we report a microwave-assisted approach to induce lattice strain in metal–organic framework catalysts. Ni-MOFs exhibiting lattice expansion induced by strain demonstrate enhanced catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under alkaline conditions, reducing the overpotential from 342 mV to 276 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² compared to their unstrained counterparts. Operando infrared spectroscopy reveals the formation of an *OOH intermediate during the OER, which is identified as the rate-determining step. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further confirms strain-induced modifications in the electronic structure of pristine Ni-MOFs during catalytic operation. These findings establish that lattice strain in Ni-MOFs facilitates *OOH intermediate formation and improves the dynamic process, thereby enhancing OER activity.