Modulating organic ligands to construct 2D–3D-hybrid porous P-doped metal-organic frameworks electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

Abstract

Self-supporting metal-organic framework (MOF) with a hybrid structure has recently attracted significant interest as a novel electrocatalyst for water splitting. Herein, a binder-free 2D–3D-hybrid P-doped MOF bifunctional water-splitting electrocatalyst on Ni foam (NF) was prepared through a one-pot hydrothermal process followed by phosphorization. The 2-amino-1,4-benzene dicarboxylic acid (BDC(NH2)) and Mn/Co atoms were employed as organic ligands and center metal ions of the MOF, respectively. The as-fabricated P@Mn1Co3-BDC(NH2)/NF displayed an overpotential of 102 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), 310 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and a cell voltage of 1.69 V at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 under alkaline conditions. The synergistic effect of the functionalized amino and heteroatoms (P) in the organic ligands could improve the electric environment of the active metal sites and promote the electron-transfer process during the reaction. The P@Mn1Co3-BDC(NH2)/NF demonstrated great reactive activity and excellent catalytic stability as a promising electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.