Self-supporting one-dimensional ZnFe-BDC for electrocatalysis oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline and natural seawater

The morphology and overall electronic structure of the metal-organic framework (MOF) can be regulated by introducing non-noble metal elements so that it has higher electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity but does not change the stability of MOF itself. Herein, we report a series of self-supporting ZnFe bimetallic MOF electrocatalysts on foam nickel (NF) substrates using a simple one-step solvothermal strategy. The morphology evolution process and electronic structure of the Zn²⁺/Fe³⁺ molar ratio from 0.25 to 0.75 are systematically investigated. It is worth noting that the overpotentials of ZnFe-BDC-0.75 in alkaline freshwater electrolyte and natural seawater electrolyte are 292 mV and 308 mV (100 mA cm⁻²), respectively. This work emphasizes the significance of tailoring the electronic microstructure of bimetallic MOFs for efficient OER activity in alkaline and seawater.