Dual‐Atomic Catalysts Deduced from d−π Conjugated Metal−Organic Frameworks for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Abstract A series of semiconductive cobalt‐based metal–organic framework (MOFs) are prepared in this work using 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexaiminotriphenylene (HATP) as ligand and diverse metal ions as the second coordination centers (M = Mn, Ni, and Zn) (denoted as Co x M 3‐x (HITP) 2 MOFs). The series of bimetallic Co x M 3‐x (HITP) 2 MOFs exhibit ultrathin graphene‐like nanostructure, highly d–π conjugated network, large specific surface areas, and diverse metal coordination modes. Density functional theory calculations reveal the unique synergism between M (M = Mn, Ni, and Zn) and Co nodes, in which adjacent layers of M atoms can efficiently modulate the electron densities of Co atoms in Co 3 (HITP) 2 . As compared, Co x Zn 3‐x (HITP) 2 MOF possesses substantially enhanced electron density around the Co atoms, dual‐metal atomic sites, and rich metal coordination modes, and exhibits superior electrochemical activity. Among them, Co x Zn 3‐x (HITP) 2 displays the outperformed electrocatalytic performances of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Particularly, Co x Zn 3‐x (HITP) 2 shows the lowest overpotential of 210 mV and good long‐term stability. This work develops an efficient strategy for designing and regulating atomically dispersed catalysts in conductive MOFs toward clean energy applications.