Preparation of bimetallic organic framework nanocrystals and application of its calcined composites in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have attracted extensive research interests because of their porosity, large specific area, and adjustable aperture. In particular, a series of nanomaterials derived from ZIF-67 precursor has broad application prospects in energy and environment. In this paper, Co-ZIF nanocrystal was synthesized by solvothermal method, by introducing a second kind of transition metal Ni, the NixCo1-x-ZIF nanocrystals with single metal Co-ZIF structure were synthesized. NixCo1-x-O composites were obtained by oxidation of NixCo1-x-ZIF nanocrystals, and the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of composites modified glassy carbon electrode in 1 M KOH solution was tested. It is found that the Ni0.5Co0.5-O composites have the lowest overpotential compared with similar composites.