Trifunctional cobalt-molybdenum metal-organic framework for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction and aromatic nitrosensing applications

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial step in the development of electrochemical energy storage systems and conversion technologies, such as alkaline fuel cells, water-splitting, and rechargeable batteries. As a result, the design of efficient, low-cost and long-lasting OER electrocatalysts is one of the biggest modern day challenges in the field of renewable energies. Because of the high surface area, high porosity, and variable constitution, metal-organic frameworks are used as OER electrocatalysts. In this study, CoMo-H3BTC, Co-H3BTC and Mo-H3BTC were prepared using solvothermal method, at 135 & DEG;C for 16 h. The functional behavior, structure, morphology, and oxidation state of the electrocatalysts were analyzed by X-ray diffraction studies, Fourier transform infrared spectra, Scanning electron microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The prepared CoMo-H3BTC composites showed high electrocatalytic properties toward OER as well as improved nitrosensing capabilities. CoMo-H3BTC demonstrates OER catalytic activity with overpotential of 320 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a 59 mV dec-1 of Tafel slope value with good stability. Also, CoMo-H3BTC electrocatalysts have better sensing applications toward nitroaromatics such as nitrobenzene and 2, 4-dinitrotoluene with a detection limit of 0.128 & mu;M and 0.197 & mu;M, respectively. The excellent OER activity, low Tafel slope value, improved durability, and good nitrosensing ability of CoMo-H3BTC will meet the real-world applications.