Powering Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Precise Control Over A Cu-Ni Bimetallic Electrocatalyst

Precious metals are effective catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction, but their high cost with complicated operation steps drives people to search for non-noble-metal alternatives. Building rational design concept for efficient electrocatalyst relies on the capability to control the structure and composition. Herein, a Ni/Cu bimetallic mesoporous MOFs with 4,4 ',4 ''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tribenzoic acid as the robust ligand has been assembled via a one-step solvothermal method. Due to the extensive conjugate plane and high nitrogen content, the catalyst possesses large pore size of 17 nm and fast electron transfer rate, which favors hydrogen bubble overflow and exposes more active sites to solid-liquid interfaces. The bimetallic interaction between highly conductive Cu ions and Ni ions allows it to improve charge migration and realize excellent conductivity. The functionalized electrode requires an overpotential of 132 mV to achieve 10 mA current density with a small Tafel slope (87.7 mV<middle dot>dec-1) and continuous electrolysis for 24 h.