Facile Synthesis of a Nickel-Based Dopamine MOF/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract

For manufacturing hydrogen energy via water splitting is the most important consequence for the revolution of a power disaster, and a vigorous and inexpensive electrocatalyst is the most challenging task. Herein, we report a unique MOF derived nanocomposite as an electrocatalyst (Ni-DA-MWCNTs-a) fabricated through the hydrothermal method, with ultrahigh functionality for the catalytic OER. The Ni-DA-MWCNTs-a synthesized electrocatalyst displays extremely porous morphology and is characterized by a number of different techniques. The fabricated nanocomposite demonstrates an extremely low overpotential of 267 mV, with a minimum Tafel slope of 61 mV dec–1, considering the three-electron transfer process. Furthermore, the resultant nanocomposite displays the outstanding stability of 20 h and is confirmed by chronoamperometry. Hence, this work also exposed the valuable visions for the development of an inexpensive, effective, and useful electrocatalyst with an extremely small overpotential and good long-lasting durability for OER performance by utilizing 3D-MWCNTs resulting in a major alternative material derived from noble metals.