In Situ Grown Cu-Metal-Organic Frameworks on Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting

Creating an economical, and highly active catalyst poses the greatest challenge in achieving an effective water-splitting process. To address this challenge, investigating metal-organic framework (MOF) materials holds immense promise. However, pure MOFs show limited conductivity, and durability for water splitting. This research aims to study modifying pure MOF with 2D material to alter the morphology and the electrocatalytic capabilities of both compounds, benefiting from the synergistic interplay between the two constituent materials. The authors have devised a synthesis strategy to modify the nanoscale Cu-MOF-based catalyst with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). Hybrids of 5, 10, and 15 mg of g-C3N4 embedded in Cu-MOF are prepared and studied for over all water-splitting in alkaline media. 15 mg g-C3N4 hybrid needs only 131 mV of overpotential at 10 mA cm(-2) and has a Tafel value of 59 mV dec(-1). This also shows very good OER performance needing only 185 mV of overpotential and a Tafel value of 53 mV dec(-1) and is stable for a more extended period. The improved performance can be attributed to exposed active sites, increased ability of charge transfer, highly porous nanostructure, and high stability. The results indicate that hybrids combining MOFs with 2D material hold great potential as economical and effective electrocatalysts for comprehensive water splitting.