CoNi-bimetallic coordination polymers as catalyst for boosting oxygen evolution reaction activity†

Abstract

Suitable coordination polymers (CPs) have significant promise for use in the realm of electrocatalysis due to their conceivable composition and structure. It poses a significant challenge to utilize coordination polymers as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) owing to their limited catalytic efficiency and the inherent instability observed in current electrocatalysts. This study effectively constructed one-dimensional Co_xNi_1−x–CAs with dual active sites utilizing a mixed metal method and examined its potential as an OER electrocatalyst. Adjusting the metal ratio of Co_xNi_1−x–CAs can efficiently modulate the OER performance. After optimization, Co_1/2Ni_1/2–CA had the lowest reaction activation energy of 19.91 kJ mol⁻¹ at 25 °C and a high overpotential of 349 mV at 10 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, at 55 °C, Co_1/2Ni_1/2–CA demonstrated a significant overpotential of 308 mV at 10 mA cm⁻². This mixed metal strategy offers a practical approach to enhancing OER electrocatalytic performance, which can be accomplished by varying the electronic state.