Elucidating the performance of hexamethylene tetra-amine interlinked bimetallic NiCo-MOF for efficient electrochemical hydrogen and oxygen evolution

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) play a significant role in the electrocatalysis of water due to their large surface area and availability of increased numbers of pores. For the inaugural time, we examine the effectiveness of a hexamethylene tetra-amine (HMT)-induced 3D NiCo-MOF-based nanostructure as a potent bifunctional electrocatalyst with superior performance for overall water splitting in alkaline environments. The structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the as-synthesized bifunctional catalyst were examined thoroughly before analyzing its behavior towards electrochemical water splitting. The HMT-based NiCo-MOF demonstrated small overpotential values of 274 mV and 330 mV in reaching a maximum current density of 30 mA cm-2 for hydrogen and oxygen evolution mechanisms, respectively. The Tafel parameter also showed favorable HER/OER reaction kinetics, with slopes of 78 mV dec-1 and 86 mV dec-1 determined during the electrochemical evaluation. Remarkably, the NiCo-HMT electrode exhibited a double-layer capacitance of 4 mF cm-2 for hydrogen evolution and 23 mF cm-2 for oxygen evolution, while maintaining remarkable stability even after continuous operation for 20 hours. This research offers a valuable blueprint for implementing a cost-effective and durable MOF-based bifunctional catalytic system that has proven to be effective for complete water splitting. Decomposition of water under higher current densities is crucial for effective long-term generation and commercial consumption of hydrogen.

Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall and Hybrid Water Splitting

Electrocatalytic water splitting driven by renewable electricity has been recognized as a promising approach for green hydrogen production. Different from conventional strategies in developing electrocatalysts for the two half-reactions of water splitting (e.g., the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, HER and OER) separately, there has been a growing interest in designing and developing bifunctional electrocatalysts, which are able to catalyze both the HER and OER. In addition, considering the high overpotentials required for OER while limited value of the produced oxygen, there is another rapidly growing interest in exploring alternative oxidation reactions to replace OER for hybrid water splitting toward energy-efficient hydrogen generation. This Review begins with an introduction on the fundamental aspects of water splitting, followed by a thorough discussion on various physicochemical characterization techniques that are frequently employed in probing the active sites, with an emphasis on the reconstruction of bifunctional electrocatalysts during redox electrolysis. The design, synthesis, and performance of diverse bifunctional electrocatalysts based on noble metals, nonprecious metals, and metal-free nanocarbons, for overall water splitting in acidic and alkaline electrolytes, are thoroughly summarized and compared. Next, their application toward hybrid water splitting is also presented, wherein the alternative anodic reactions include sacrificing agents oxidation, pollutants oxidative degradation, and organics oxidative upgrading. Finally, a concise statement on the current challenges and future opportunities of bifunctional electrocatalysts for both overall and hybrid water splitting is presented in the hope of guiding future endeavors in the quest for energy-efficient and sustainable green hydrogen production.

Synthesis and Application of Task-Specific Bimetal-Organic Frameworks in the Synthesis of Biological Active Spiro-Oxindoles

The use of click chemistry as a smart and suitable method for the development of new heterogeneous catalysts is based on metal-organic frameworks as well as the production of organic compounds. The development of the click chemistry method can provide a new strategy to achieve superior properties of MOFs. Here, the two metals Co and Fe are used to create a bimetallic-organic framework. In the following, the click chemistry and postmodification method are well organized and an acidic heterogeneous porous catalyst is developed. This prepared catalyst was used as a highly efficient catalyst for the preparation of new spiro-oxindoles obtained through click chemistry with good to excellent yields (80-94%). This presented catalytic system can compete with the best reported catalytic systems. The findings showed that the presence of Co and Fe metals in the MOF, and the presence of the triazole ring on the catalyst, can increase the catalytic efficiencies. This study offers novel insights into the architecture of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), click chemistry, and biologically active compounds. Additionally, the research explores the antibacterial properties of the synthesized spiro-oxindoles and catalysts. The findings reveal significant antibacterial activities of the synthesized compounds against S. aureus, MRSA, and E. coli bacteria.

A mixed-ligand Co metal-organic framework and its carbon composites as excellent electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in green-energy devices

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts are frequently made from noble metal-based oxides like ruthenium/iridium oxides. However, because of their scarcity and high price, researchers are now focusing on creating innovative OER catalysts based on affordable transition metals that have improved electrical conductivity and accessibility to active sites. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a unique class of inorganic materials with excellent physical and chemical properties, have witnessed significant progress in promising green energy systems. In this work, a novel mixed-ligand metal-organic framework [Co(μ-1κN,2κN'-BDP)(μ3-1κoo',2κo''2κo'''-BTC)]n·nH2O (BDP = boron-dipyrromethene or BODIPY; BTC = benzene tricarboxylate) denoted as CoBDPMOF has been synthesized, and its composites with different carbon materials have been designed. Compared to the pristine MOF, the composites showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. In addition, the CoBDPMOF with activated carbon showed the highest OER performance with a low Tafel slope (82 mV dec-1) and the highest j600 (59.8 mA cm-2), outperforming noble metal IrO2, the OER benchmark electrocatalyst. This study presents new insights into the design and application of CoBDPMOF-based materials for energy conversion and suggests promising avenues for further research and development in electrocatalysis.

Fe-Co-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as Peroxidase Mimics for Sensitive Colorimetric Detection and Efficient Degradation of Aflatoxin B1

Building multifunctional platforms for integrating the detection and control of hazards has great significance in food safety and environment protection. Herein, bimetallic Fe-Co-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-Co-MOFs) peroxidase mimics are prepared and applied to develop a bifunctional platform for the synergetic sensitive detection and controllable degradation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). On the one hand, Fe-Co-MOFs with excellent peroxidase-like activity are combined with target-induced catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) to construct a colorimetric aptasensor for the detection of AFB1. Specifically, the binding of aptamer with AFB1 releases the prelocked Trigger to initiate the CHA cycle between hairpin H2-modified Fe-Co-MOFs and hairpin H1-tethered magnetic nanoparticles to form complexes. After magnetic separation, the colorimetric signal of the supernatant in the presence of TMB and H2O2 is inversely proportional to the target contents. Under optimal conditions, this biosensor enables the analysis of AFB1 with a limit of detection of 6.44 pg/mL, and high selectivity and satisfactory recovery in real samples are obtained. On the other hand, Fe-Co-MOFs with remarkable Fenton-like catalytic degradation performance for organic contaminants are further used for the detoxification of AFB1 after colorimetric detection. The AFB1 is almost completely removed within 120 min. Overall, the introduction of CHA improves the sensing sensitivity; efficient postcolorimetric-detection degradation of AFB1 reduces the secondary contamination and risk to the experimental environment and operators. This strategy is expected to provide ideas for designing other multifunctional platforms to integrate the detection and degradation of various hazards.

Ferric Oxide Nanocrystals-Embedded Co/Fe-MOF with Self-Tuned d-Band Centers for Boosting Urea-Assisted Overall Water Splitting

A novel semiconductive Co/Fe-MOF embedded with Fe2 O3 nanocrystals (Fe2 O3 @CoFe-MOF) is developed as a trifunctional electrocatalyst for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction for enhancing the efficiency of the hydrogen production via the urea-assisted overall water splitting. Fe2 O3 @CoFe-TPyP-MOF comprises unsaturated metal-nitrogen coordination sites, affording enriched defects, self-tuned d-band centers, and efficient π-π interaction between different layers. Density functional theory calculation confirms that the adsorption of urea can be optimized at Fe2 O3 @CoFe-TPyP-MOF, realizing the efficient adsorption of intermediates and desorption of the final product of CO2 and N2 characterized by the in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The two-electrode urea-assisted water splitting device-assembled with Fe2 O3 @CoFe-TPyP-MOF illustrates a low cell voltage of 1.41 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode at the current density of 10 mA cm-2 , attaining the hydrogen production rate of 13.13 µmol min-1 in 1 m KOH with 0.33 m urea. The in situ electrochemical Raman spectra and other basic characterizations of the used electrocatalyst uncover that Fe2 O3 @CoFe-TPyP-MOF undergoes the reversible structural reconstruction after the UOR test, while it demonstrates the irreversible reconstruction after the OER measurement. This work redounds the progress of urea-assisted water spitting for hydrogen production.

Efficient nanostructured materials to reduce nutrient leaching to overcome environmental contaminants

Nutrient leaching is a major reason for fresh and ground water contamination. Menthol is the major bioactive ingredient of Mentha arvensis L. and one of the most traded products of global essential oil market. The indigenous production of menthol crystals in developing countries of the world can prove to be the backbone for local growers and poor farmers. Therefore, present research was designed to check the effects of nano-structured plant growth regulators (PGRs) (28-homobrassinolide and ethephon) with reduced leaching potentials on the essential oil and menthol (%) of Mentha arvensis L. The prepared nano-formulations were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Differential scanning colorimetry-thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and Zeta potential and Zeta size analysis. The menthol (%) was determined by modified spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic (GC) method. The highest essential oil (%) was obtained by the application of 28-homobrassinolide-Zn-NPs-L-II (0.92 ± 0.09%) and ethephon-Ca-NPs-L-III (0.91 ± 0.05%) as compared to the control (0.65 ± 0.03%) and blank (0.62 ± 0.09%). The highest menthol (%) was obtained by applying 28-homobrassinolide-Ca-NPs-L-I (80.06 ± 0.07%), 28-homobrassinolide-Ca-NPs-L-II (80.48 ± 0.09%) and 28-homobrassinolide-Ca-NPs-L-III (80.84 ± 0.11%) and ethephon-Ca-NPs-L-III (81.53 ± 0.17%) and ethephon-Zn-NPs-L-II (81.93 ± 0.26%) as compared to control (67.19 ± 0.14%) and blank (63.93 ± 0.17%).

A new series of magnetic and luminescent layered hybrid materials obtained from thianthrene phosphonic acid: M(H2O)PO3-S2C12H7 (M = Cu, Zn) and M(H2O)2(PO2OH-S2C12H7)2 (M = Mn, Co)

Four new metallophosphonates with the chemical formulae M(H2O)PO3-S2C12H7 (M = Cu, Zn) and M(H2O)2(PO2OH-S2C12H7)2 (M = Mn, Co) were synthesized using a hydrothermal route from the original bent rigid thianthrene-2-ylphosphonic acid (TPA). This organic precursor crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric space group P212121 and presents a unique bent geometry due to the presence of two sulfur atoms in its rigid platform architecture. Obtained as single crystal and polycrystalline powders, the structures of the four hybrid materials were solved using X-ray diffraction on single crystals in a monoclinic P21/c space group. These compounds adopt a lamellar structure consisting of one inorganic subnetwork alternating with a 'sawtooth' double organic -S2C12H7 subnetwork. The inorganic layers of these compounds are made of (PO3C) or partially deprotonated (PO2OHC) tetrahedra connected by the apices to isolated ZnO3(H2O) tetrahedra, Cu2O6(H2O)2 copper dimers and cobalt and manganese MO4(H2O)2 octahedra, where the latter two exhibit an isotype structure. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to confirm the amount of water molecules present in the formula, to track the dehydration process of the structures, and to evaluate their thermal stability. The magnetic properties of the copper, cobalt, and manganese-based materials were investigated from 2 K to 300 K by using a SQUID magnetometer revealing dominant antiferromagnetic interactions with Weiss temperatures of -8.0, -10, and -1 K, respectively. These magnetic behaviors were further corroborated by first-principles simulations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). Finally, the absorption and photoluminescence properties of both the ligand and hybrid materials were investigated, revealing diverse excitation and recombination mechanisms. The organic moiety based on thianthrene significantly influenced the absorption and emission, with additional peaks attributed to transition metals. Singlet and triplet states recombination were observed, accompanied by an unidentified quenching mechanism affecting the triplet state lifetime.

Metal-ion doping in metal-organic-frameworks: modulating the electronic structure and local coordination for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction activity

The doping of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with metal-ions has emerged as a powerful strategy for enhancing their catalytic performance. Doping allows for the tailoring of the electronic structure and local coordination environment of MOFs, thus imparting on them unique properties and enhanced functionalities. This frontier article discusses the impact of metal-ion doping on the electronic structure and local coordination of MOFs, highlighting the effects on their electrocatalytic properties in relation to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The fundamental mechanisms underlying these modifications are explored, while recent advances, challenges, and prospects in the field are discussed. In addition, experimental techniques that can be applied to tackle the realization of effective metal-ion doping of MOFs are also noted briefly.

A pH-responsive bi-MIL-88B MOF coated with folic acid-conjugated chitosan as a promising nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery of 5-Fluorouracil

Cancer has remained one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with a lack of effective treatment. The intrinsic shortcomings of conventional therapeutics regarding tumor specificity and non-specific toxicity prompt us to look for alternative therapeutics to mitigate these limitations. In this regard, we developed multifunctional bimetallic (FeCo) bi-MIL-88B-FC MOFs modified with folic acid-conjugated chitosan (FC) as drug delivery systems (DDS) for targeted delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). The bi-MIL-88B nanocarriers were characterized through various techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Interestingly, 5-FU@bi-MIL-88B-FC showed slower release of 5-FU due to a gated effect phenomenon endowed by FC surface coating compared to un-modified 5-FU@bi-MIL-88B. The pH-responsive drug release was observed, with 58% of the loaded 5-FU released in cancer cells mimicking pH (5.2) compared to only 24.9% released under physiological pH (5.4). The in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular internalization experiments revealed the superiority of 5-FU@bi-MIL-88B-FC as a highly potent targeted DDS against folate receptor (FR) positive SW480 cancer cells. Moreover, due to the presence of Fe and Co in the structure, bi-MIL-88B exhibited peroxidase-like activity for chemodynamic therapy. Based on the results, 5-FU@bi-MIL-88B-FC could serve as promising candidate for smart DDS by sustained drug release and selective targeting.

Magnetically and Electrically Responsive Soft Actuator Derived from Ferromagnetic Bimetallic Organic Framework

The advancement in smart devices and soft robotics necessitates the use of multiresponsive soft actuators with high actuation stroke and stable reversibility for their use in real-world applications. Here, this work reports a magnetically and electrically dual responsive soft actuator based on neodymium and iron bimetallic organic frameworks (NdFeMOFs@700). The ferromagnetic NdFeMOFs@700 exhibits a porous carbon structure with excellent magnetization saturation (166.96 emu g^-1 ) which allows its application to a dual functional material in both magnetoactive and electro-ionic actuations. The electro-ionic soft actuator, which is fabricated using NdFeMOFs@700 and PEDOT-PSS, demonstrates 4.5 times higher ionic charge storage capacity (68.21 mF cm^-2 ) and has excellent cycle stability compared with the PEDOT-PSS based actuator. Under a low sinusoidal input voltage of 1 V, the dual-responsive actuator displays bending displacement of 15.46 mm and also generates deflection of 10 mm at 50 mT. Present results show that the ferromagnetic bimetallic organic frameworks can open a new way to make dual responsive soft actuators due to the hierarchically porous structures with its high redox activity, superior magnetic properties, and larger electrochemical capacitance. With the NdFeMOFs@700 based soft actuators, walking movement of a starfish robot is demonstrated by applying both the magnetic and electric fields.

An integrated and flexible PDMS/Au film-based electrochemical immunosensor via Fe–Co MOF as a signal amplifier for alpha fetoprotein detection

Ultrasensitive determination of tumor marker (TM) is of great significance in cancer prevention and diagnosis. Traditional TM detection methods involve large instrumentation and professional manipulation, which complicate the assay procedures and increase the cost of investment. To resolve these problems, an integrated electrochemical immunosensor based on the flexible polydimethylsiloxane/gold (PDMS/Au) film with Fe-Co metal-organic framework (Fe-Co MOF) as a signal amplifier was fabricated for ultrasensitive determination of alpha fetoprotein (AFP). First, gold layer was deposited on the hydrophilic PDMS film to form the flexible three-electrode system, and then the thiolated aptamer for AFP was immobilized. Afterward, the aminated Fe-Co MOF possessing high peroxidase-like activity and large specific surface area was prepared by a facile solvothermal method, and subsequently the biofunctionalized MOF could effectively capture biotin antibody (Ab) to form MOF-Ab as a signal probe and amplify the electrochemical signal remarkably, thereby realizing highly sensitive detection of AFP with a wide linear range of 0.01-300 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 0.71 pg/mL. In addition, the PDMS based-immunosensor showed good accuracy for assaying of AFP in clinical serum samples. The integrated and flexible electrochemical immunosensor based on the Fe-Co MOF as a signal amplifier demonstrates great potential for application in the personalized point-of-care (POC) clinical diagnosis.

Gold and palladium supported on an ionic liquid modified Fe-based metal-organic framework (MOF) as highly efficient catalysts for the reduction of nitrophenols, dyes and Sonogashira-Hagihara reactions

Two supported noble metal species, gold and palladium anchored on an ionic liquid-modified Fe-based metal-organic framework (MOF), were successfully synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TEM, XPS, SEM, EDX, and elemental mapping. The ionic liquid post-modified MOF was used for anchoring Au or Pd at ppm levels, and the resulting materials were employed as catalysts in the reduction of nitrophenol isomers, dyes, and Sonogashira-Hagihara reactions. Using the Au@Fe-MOF-IL catalyst, reduction of nitrophenol isomers, as well as the reductive degradation of dyes, e.g., methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and methyl red (MR) were performed efficiently in water. On the other hand, Pd@Fe-MOF-IL was used as an effective catalyst in the Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling reaction of aryl iodides and bromides using very low amounts of Pd. These catalysts were recycled and reused for several runs without deteriorating remarkably in catalytic performance.

Programmable Drug Release from a Dual-Stimuli Responsive Magnetic Metal-Organic Framework

Along with the increasing incidence of cancer and drawbacks of traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs), developing novel nanocarriers for sustained targeted-drug release has become urgent. In this regard, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as potential candidates due to their structural flexibility, defined porosity, lower toxicity, and biodegradability. Herein, a FeMn-based ferromagnetic MOF was synthesized from a preassembled Fe₂Mn(μ₃-O) cluster. The introduction of the Mn provided the ferromagnetic character to FeMn-MIL-88B. 5-Fluoruracil (5-FU) was encapsulated as a model drug in the MOFs, and its pH and H₂S dual-stimuli responsive controlled release was realized. FeMn-MIL-88B presented a higher 5-FU loading capacity of 43.8 wt % and rapid drug release behavior in a tumor microenvironment (TME) simulated medium. The carriers can rapidly release loaded drug of 70% and 26% in PBS solution (pH = 5.4) and NaHS solution (500 μM) within 24 h. The application of mathematical release models indicated 5-FU release from carriers can be precisely fitted to the first-order, second-order, and Higuchi models of release. Moreover, the cytotoxicity profile of the carrier against human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) suggests no adverse effects up to 100 μg/mL. The lesser toxic effect on cell viability can be attributed to the low toxicity values [LD₅₀ (Fe) = 30 g·kg^-1, (Mn) = 1.5 g·kg^-1, and (terephthalic acid) = 5 g·kg^-1] of the MOFs structural components. Together with dual-stimuli responsiveness, ferromagnetic nature, and low toxicity, FeMn-MIL-88B MOFs can emerge as promising carriers for drug delivery applications.

A novel core@double-shell three-layer structure with dendritic fibrous morphology based on Fe3O4@TEA@Ni-organic framework: a highly efficient magnetic catalyst in the microwave-assisted Sonogashira coupling reaction

In synthetic organic chemistry, the formation of carbon-carbon bonds is a significant and substantial reaction. As a result, developing a highly active magnetic heterogeneous catalyst with excellent performance is a very appealing technique for constructing C-C bonds in organic chemistry. The present study describes the fabrication of a novel and readily recoverable nickel-based metal-organic framework (MOF) for C-C bond formation through the Sonogashira coupling reaction. The efficient magnetic core-shell structure (Fe₃O₄@TEA@MOF) with a 3D dendritic fibrous morphology was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal approach by immobilizing Ni-based MOF onto the Fe₃O₄@TEA core-shell structure. The fabrication of Fe₃O₄@TEA@MOF was confirmed by various analyses; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), and elemental mapping confirmed the stepwise fabrication of catalyst. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed the crystalline nature of the catalyst. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) displayed the 3D dendritic fibrous morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer analysis (VSM) showed the excellent thermal stability and magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄@TEA@MOF. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET) found that the fabricated catalyst with a surface area of 36.2 m² g^-1, pore volume of 0.18 cm³ g^-1, and mean pore diameter of 20.38 nm belongs to mesoporous structures. In addition, the information from the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) about fresh and reused catalysts showed that the metal leaching amount is slight and about 1.98%. Other advantages of the Fe₃O₄@TEA@MOF catalyst can be mentioned as easily reusable for four runs and high performance (above 98%) in synthesizing diphenylacetylene from phenylacetylene, aryl halide, and cesium carbonate (as the base) under solvent-free and microwave conditions.

Photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B in aqueous phase by bimetallic metal-organic framework M/Fe-MOF (M = Co, Cu, and Mg)

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit outstanding performance in a wide range of applications, including gas catalysis, adsorption, and luminescence sensor. The structure and properties of materials can be designed based on the variation of different metal ions, so this MOFs material system has unique properties. In this study, M/Fe-MOF bimetallic materials (M = Co, Cu, and Mg) were synthesized by solvothermal method and evaluated for photocatalytic activity in the degradation reaction of rhodamine B (RhB) organic pigments. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by using several physicochemical methods such as X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results show that the Co/Fe-MOF, Cu/Fe-MOF, and Mg/MOF materials have uniform grain grade, high crystallinity, with the surface area of 26.1, 25.9, and 25.9 m2/g, respectively. When modified with Co, Cu, and Mg, the crystal structure of Fe-MOF materials was unchanged, and all metal ions are inserted inside the structure of the material, as well as replacing Fe ions in the lattice crystals. At the same time, the modification also increases the light absorption in the visible light region and gives a high photocatalytic degradation of RhB organic pigments under visible light in the range of 85–92%.

Recent advances on bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (BMOFs): Syntheses, applications and challenges

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess two different metal ions as nodes in their molecular frameworks. They are prepared by either using one-pot syntheses wherein different metals are mixed with suitable...

Research Progress of Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalysts for Electrochemical Water Splitting

The development of a low-cost and high-efficiency oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst is essential to meet the future industrial demand for hydrogen production by electrochemical water splitting. Given the limited reserves of noble metals and many competitive applications in environmental protection, new energy, and chemical industries, many studies have focused on exploring new and efficient non-noble metal catalytic systems, improving the understanding of the OER mechanism of non-noble metal surfaces, and designing electrocatalysts with higher activity than traditional noble metals. This Review summarizes the research progress of anode OER catalysts for hydrogen production by electrochemical water splitting in recent years, for noble metal and non-noble metal catalysts, where non-noble metal catalysts are highlighted. The categories are as follows: (1) Transition metal-based compounds, including transition metal-based oxides, transition metal-based layered hydroxides, and transition metal-based sulfides, phosphides, selenides, borides, carbides, and nitrides. Transition metal-based oxides can also be divided into perovskite, spinel, amorphous, rock-salt-type, and lithium oxides according to their different structures. (2) Carbonaceous materials and their composite materials with transition metals. (3) Transition metal-based metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives. Finally, the challenges and future development of the OER process of water splitting are discussed.

Recent Progress in Advanced Electrocatalyst Design for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers hold great significance for renewable energy storage and conversion. The acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the main roadblocks that hinder the practical application of PEM water electrolyzers. Highly active, cost-effective, and durable electrocatalysts are indispensable for lowering the high kinetic barrier of OER to achieve boosted reaction kinetics. To date, a wide spectrum of advanced electrocatalysts has been designed and synthesized for enhanced acidic OER performance, though Ir and Ru based nanostructures still represent the state-of-the-art catalysts. In this Progress Report, recent research progress in advanced electrocatalysts for improved acidic OER performance is summarized. First, fundamental understanding about acidic OER including reaction mechanisms and atomic understanding to acidic OER for rational design of efficient electrocatalysts are discussed. Thereafter, an overview of the progress in the design and synthesis of advanced acidic OER electrocatalysts is provided in terms of catalyst category, i.e., metallic nanostructures (Ir and Ru based), precious metal oxides, nonprecious metal oxides, and carbon based nanomaterials. Finally, perspectives to the future development of acidic OER are provided from the aspects of reaction mechanism investigation and more efficient electrocatalyst design.

Multifunctional luminescence sensing and white light adjustment of lanthanide metal-organic frameworks constructed from the flexible cyclotriphosphazene-derived hexacarboxylic acid ligand

Considering that cyclotriphosphazene polycarboxylic acid is a kind of organic ligand with fantastic structures and performances and the unique luminescence characteristics of rare earth ions, a series of porous lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) (CH₃)₂NH₂[Ln₃(HCPCP)_1.5(CH₃COO)]·6DMA (Ln = Ce (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Tb (4), HCPCP = hexa(4-carboxyphenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene, and DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide) were synthesized with novel topological network structures. Compound 4 exhibited a sensitive recognition of -NO₂, and had a fluorescence quenching phenomenon for seven kinds of nitro aromatic compounds (NACs). In particular, it showed the best fluorescence response to 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), and the K_SV values were 2.86 × 10⁵ M^-1 and 8.21 × 10⁴ M^-1, and the limit of detection (LOD) values were 0.20 μM and 0.71 μM, respectively. At the same time, we successfully doped different concentrations of Eu³⁺ into compound 4 to obtain a series of doped Ln-MOF materials x%Eu³⁺@4 (x = 0.5, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 20). With the increase of Eu³⁺ doping ratios, the characteristic peaks of Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ changed regularly, and the energy transfer from Tb³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ions occurred. By changing the excitation wavelength of the samples with different Eu³⁺ doping concentrations, a higher quality white light emitting material 7.5%Eu³⁺@4 (λ_ex = 340 nm) was finally obtained, with a CIE coordinate of (0.3268, 0.3212).

Electrocatalytic performance of NiNH2BDC MOF based composites with rGO for methanol oxidation reaction

Present work comprehensively investigated the electrochemical response of Nickel-2 Aminoterephthalic acid Metal-Organic Framework (NiNH2BDC) and its reduced graphitic carbon (rGO) based hybrids for methanol (CH3OH) oxidation reaction (MOR) in an alkaline environment. In a thorough analysis of a solvothermally synthesized Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and its reduced graphitic carbon-based hybrids, functional groups detection was performed by FTIR, the morphological study by SEM, crystal structure analysis via XRD, and elemental analysis through XPS while electrochemical testing was accomplished by Chronoamperometry (CA), Cyclic Voltametric method (CV), Electrochemically Active Surface Area (EASA), Tafel slope (b), Electron Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Mass Activity, and roughness factor. Among all the fabricated composites, NiNH2BDC MOF/5 wt% rGO hybrid by possessing an auspicious current density (j) of 267.7 mA/cm2 at 0.699 V (vs Hg/HgO), a Tafel slope value of 60.8 mV dec-1, EASA value of 15.7 cm2, and by exhibiting resistance of 13.26 Ω in a 3 M CH3OH/1 M NaOH solution displays grander electrocatalytic activity as compared to state-of-the-art platinum-based electrocatalysts.

MOF-Derived Fe-Doped Ni@NC Hierarchical Hollow Microspheres as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The development of low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great importance for producing hydrogen via water splitting. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide an opportunity for the facile preparation of high-efficiency OER electrocatalysts. In this work, we prepared iron-doped nickel nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres (Fe-Ni@NC) with a unique hierarchical porous structure by directly pyrolyzing the MOF precursor for effectively boosting OER. The Fe doping has a significant enhancement effect on the catalytic performance. The optimized Fe (5%)-Ni@NC catalyst represents a remarkable activity with an overpotential of 257 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and superior stability toward OER in 1.0 M KOH.

Iron-nickel bimetallic metal-organic frameworks as bifunctional Fenton-like catalysts for enhanced adsorption and degradation of organic contaminants under visible light: Kinetics and mechanistic studies

Iron-nickel bimetallic organic frameworks (FeNi_X-BDC, H₂BDC: terephthalic acid) were developed as bifunctional materials for adsorption and photo-Fenton degradation of organic dyes with different charge properties. Significantly enhanced adsorption capacity of FeNi_1/15-BDC towards methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) was achieved, 5.3 and 2.6 times higher than that of pristine Fe-BDC, which was attributed to enlarged specific surface area and pore volume and the decreased surface charges induced by Ni doping. The adsorption kinetics demonstrated that chemisorption was dominant and intra-particle diffusion was the rate-controlling step. Two-stage degradation including slow induction stage and rapid oxidation stage fitted with pseudo-zero-order kinetics well. The increased rate constants (2.472 vs. 1.188 min^-1 for MB; 0.616 vs. 0.421 min^-1 for MO) in the induction stage as well as the superior removal capability by asynchronism relative to synchronism jointly corroborating the improved adsorption performance was favor for subsequent degradation. Notably, this heterogeneous system not only exhibited obvious advantages like wider pH working range (3-9), better stability and reusability of catalysts, but also achieved the dual objectives of in-situ decontamination and adsorbent regeneration. The coupling of adsorption and degradation along with synergism between photocatalysis and Fenton-like process are responsible for the reinforced removal of organic contaminants.

Rational Design of a N,S Co-Doped Supermicroporous CoFe-Organic Framework Platform for Water Oxidation

It remains a challenge to rational design of a new metal-organic framework (MOF) as highly efficient direct electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we developed a simple and effective method to explore a new pillared-layered MOF with syringic acid as a promising OER electrocatalyst. The isostructural mono-, heterobimetallic MOF and N,S co-doped MOF by mixing thiourea were quickly synthesized in a high yield under solvothermal condition. Moreover, the optimized N,S co-doped MOF exhibits the lowest overpotential of 254 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 on a glass carbon electrode and a small Tafel slope of 50 mV dec^-1 , especially, this catalyst also possesses long-term electrochemical durability for at least 16 h. According to the characterization, the incorporation of N and S atoms into this heterobimetallic CoFe-based MOF could modify its pore structure, tune the electronic structure, accordingly, improve the mass and electron transportation, and facilitate the formation of active species, as a consequence, the improved activity of this new N,S co-doped MOF for OER should be mainly be ascribed to higher electrochemical activation toward the active species via in situ surface modification during the OER process.

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have two different metal ions in the inorganic nodes. According to the metal distribution, the architecture of bimetallic MOFs can be classified into two main categories namely solid solution and core-shell structures. Various strategies have been developed to prepare bimetallic MOFs with controlled compositions and structures. Bimetallic MOFs show a synergistic effect and enhanced properties compared to their monometallic counterparts and have found many applications in the fields of gas adsorption, catalysis, energy storage and conversion, and luminescence sensing. Moreover, bimetallic MOFs can serve as excellent precursors/templates for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials with controlled sizes, compositions, and structures. Bimetallic MOF derivatives show exposed active sites, good stability and conductivity, enabling them to extend their applications to the catalysis of more challenging reactions and electrochemical energy storage and conversion. This review provides an overview of the significant advances in the development of bimetallic MOFs and their derivatives with special emphases on their preparation and applications.

Recent advances in pristine tri-metallic metal-organic frameworks toward the oxygen evolution reaction

Pristine metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received much attention in recent years due to their high specific surface areas, large porosity, excellent pore size distributions, flexible structure, and remarkable catalytic properties. The design of functional MOFs that can function as efficient HER and OER catalysts is significant in solving the energy crisis but remains a big challenge. Tri-metallic metal-organic frameworks show a good application prospect in water oxidation. In this review, we are going to focus on the latest progress and future trends in the development of pristine trimetallic MOFs with respect to the OER. The synergistic effect between multi-metal active sites is effective at improving the intrinsic activity of MOFs toward the OER. By summarizing the synthesis method of tri-metallic MOFs and observing their performance toward the oxygen evolution reaction, we hope that this review will trigger new developments in coordination chemistry, electrochemistry, nanomaterials and energy materials.