Metal-organic framework derived iron-nickel sulfide nanorods for oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Abstract Highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on noble metal-free catalysts is a major challenge for green hydrogen production. We report herein a rational preparation strategy for MOF-derived chalcogenide electrocatalysts. The optimal sulfuration time is 12\xa0h under the conditions of the theoretical Fe/Ni ratio of 1:1 and treatment temperature at 120\xa0°C. In this case, the pyrite Fe0.75Ni0.25S2 nanorods combining with amorphous FeNiOOH formed in situ exhibit a low overpotential of 247\xa0mV with a small Tafel slope of 47.6\xa0mV dec−1 at a current density of 10\xa0mA\xa0cm−2 in alkaline media along with high electrochemical stability for OER. The enhanced performance is derived from the synergistic effect between FeNi sulfide with favorable electrical conductivity and generated (oxy)hydroxides with high intrinsic activity. More importantly, the more active sites and appropriate mesoporous structure further facilitate electrocatalytic activity due to improved mass transfer. This facile synthesis method is a potential pathway for MOF derived highly efficient electrocatalysis for sustainable hydrogen product.