Constructing MIL-53(Fe)@ZIF-67(Co) binary metal–organic framework hierarchical heterostructure electrodes for efficient oxygen evolution

Improving the efficiency of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is important to solve the global energy crisis and greenhouse gas emission problems. In this paper, a preparation method for a MIL-53(Fe)@ZIF-67(Co) composite electrode is proposed. The hierarchical structure formed by the combination of MIL-53(Fe) and ZIF-67(Co) provides a rich channel for the transport of electrons and mass in the OER process. XPS analysis and DFT calculations revealed that Fe electrons in MIL-53(Fe) were transferred to Co in ZIF-67(Co) through O, which confirmed the rapid charge transfer effect of this transport channel. The MIL-53(Fe)@ZIF-67(Co) electrode has significant OER performance. When the current density reaches 10 mA cm−2, the overpotential is only 193 mV. This study inaugurates a new way for the rational design of a multiphase interface and the construction of new MOF channel structures.