Co‐Based Amorphous Layered Metal–Organic Frameworks: An Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Water Electrolysis

Abstract

The pursuit of efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen production via water splitting remains a significant challenge. Herein, a unique layered amorphous metal–organic frameworks, designated as Co‐HAB, is introduced. When utilized in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction, this Co‐HAB‐based electrocatalyst demonstrates superior activity and stability. Employing a mixture of Co‐HAB and carbon black (Co‐HAB‐C) as both cathode and anode electrocatalysts in a 1 m potassium hydroxide electrolyte, the cell exhibits a voltage of merely 1.552 V and attains a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is suitable for hydrogen generation. Furthermore, density functional theory computations indicate that the modest OH* adsorption capability at the catalytic site plays a pivotal role in enhancing the OER catalytic efficiency, as confirmed by alcohol molecular probe tests.