Electrospining Machine: Prof Xiaofeng Lu, Jilin University: One-dimensional MOFs and their derived efficient electrocatalysts for water electrolysis

Background

One-dimensional (1D) MOFs-based and their derived materials are considered as an efficient electrocatalyst for water electrolysis due to their unique structure, large specific surface area and abundant pores, which are conducive to the electron/mass transfer capability.

Recently, Professor Xiaofeng Lu of Jilin University published a review on the latest research progress of one-dimensional MOFs-based and their derived materials for water electrolysis. The review, entitled ‘One-dimensional MOFs-based and their-derived fascinating electrocatalysts for water electrolysis,’ was published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology.

The main points of this paper

1.The synthetic pathways such as aqueous (solvent) thermal reaction, electrostatic spinning technique, and post-growth strategy for the preparation of one-dimensional pristine MOFs, MOFs-based composites and their derivatives are proposed, and their formation mechanisms are discussed.

2. And then their applications in hydrogen-extraction reaction (HER), oxygen-extraction reaction (OER) and hydrolysis reaction are elaborated. Specifically, insights into the structure-electrocatalytic performance relationships of these catalysts are deeply revealed and highlighted.3. Challenges and future perspectives for the design of novel electrocatalysts based on MOFs and their derived electrocatalysts are presented.

Synthesis methods based on 1D MOFs and their derived materials:

1. MOFs form 1D materials by themselves: by hydrothermal or solvothermal synthesis methods, MOFs can self-grow to form 1D MOF materials such as nanorods and nanowires.

2. Encapsulation of MOFs inside Electrospun Nanofbers materials: Using electrospinning technology, MOFs are encapsulated inside Electrospun Nanofbers to form composite Electrospun Nanofbers, in which MOFs are distributed inside the polymer matrix.

3. Preparation of MOFs on the surface of Electrospun Nanofbers: MOFs can be grown on the surface of Electrospun Nanofbers materials by controlled synthesis methods to form MOF sheaths on the surface of nanofibres.

4. Derivation of 1D MOF-based materials: new materials can be derived from pristine 1D MOF-based materials using post-processing methods such as carbonisation, vulcanisation, selenisation and phosphatisation to form hybrid materials such as carbon/metal, carbon/oxide, carbon/sulphide, carbon/phosphide and carbon/carbide.

What is the application of one-dimensional MOFs and their derived materials based on them in water electrolysis?

Applications of one-dimensional MOFs and their derived materials based on them in water electrolysis include their use as electrocatalysts for hydrogen precipitation reaction (HER), oxygen precipitation reaction (OER) and overall water decomposition. These materials are used to facilitate electrochemical processes during water electrolysis with the aim of achieving efficient and sustainable production of hydrogen as a clean energy source.

In addition, derivatives of 1D MOFs-based materials have been explored as bifunctional electrocatalysts showing potential for HER and OER in the same electrolyte, which is essential for the construction of holistic water decomposition electrolysers

Originallink: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.124184