Metal Organic Frameworks as Synthetic Precursors for SILAR: A Tale of Two Oxides

Abstract

Here, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of cadmium and cobalt metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and their subsequent conversion to the corresponding oxide. Thus, Cd-MOF and Co-MOF were prepared by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) using Cd2+ or Co2+ cation precursors and a p-phenylenediamine (PPD) anion precursor. As-synthesized particles with unique morphology were converted into CdO or Co3O4 after heat treatment under air. The resultant CdO and Co3O4 retained the original morphology of the MOF precursors. The optical and photoelectrochemical behavior of thus-prepared CdO was studied by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photovoltammetry. Finally, the capacitive behavior of the cobalt oxide electrode was assessed by cyclic voltammetry.