Two-Dimensional Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L-Derived Iron-Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticle-Composed Nanosheet Array for Water Oxidation.

Abstract

Rational design of various functional nanomaterials using MOFs as a template provides an effective strategy to synthesize electrocatalysts for water splitting. In this work, we reported that an iron-cobalt oxide with 2D well-aligned nanoflakes assembling on carbon cloth (Fe-Co3O4 NS/CC), fabricated by an anion-exchange reaction followed by an annealing process, could serve as a high-performance oxygen-evolving catalyst. Specifically, the zeolitic imidazolate framework-L-Co nanosheet array (ZIF-L-Co NS/CC) was synthesized through a facile ambient liquid-phase deposition reaction, and then reacted with [Fe(CN)6]3- ions as precursors during the anion-exchange reaction at room temperature. Finally, the Fe-Co3O4 NS/CC was obtained via annealing treatment. On account of the compositional and structural superiority, this 3D monolithic anode exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic performance with a low overpotential of 290 mV to obtain a geometrical current density of 10 mA cm-2 and good durability for water oxidation in base.