Bifunctional Behavior of Pd/Ni Nanocatalysts on MOF‐Derived Carbons for Alkaline Water‐splitting
Adewale K. Ipadeola, Patrick V. Mwonga, Sekar C. Ray, Rapela R. Maphanga, Kenneth I. Ozoemena
Abstract
Abstract Metal‐organic framework derived carbon (MOFDC) serves as supporting platforms for PdNi catalyst (Pd/Ni/MOFDC) and acid‐treated nickel counterpart (Pd/AT‐Ni/MOFDC). The two Pd‐based electrocatalysts are tested for alkaline water‐splitting (i. e., hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER)). The results reveal better HER and OER kinetics for Pd/Ni/MOFDC than Pd/AT‐Ni/MOFDC. DFT calculations show that the high performance of the Pd/Ni/MOFDC can be associated with its high conductivity toward adsorbed OH compared to the Pd/AT‐Ni/MOFDC counterpart. The superior overall water‐splitting of Pd/Ni/MOFDC describes the synergy between Ni/Ni(OH) 2 interface and nanostructured Pd for possible future application in an electrolyzer.