Synthesis of “Quasi-Ce-MOF” Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Urea Oxidation Reaction Performance

Cerium-based metal–organic framework (Ce-MOF) materials are promising electrocatalysts, while the catalytic activity of Ce-MOFs is lacking due to their inherent disadvantages (poor conductivity), and further improvements are needed. Herein, we propose a method for synthesizing a “quasi-Ce-MOF” straw-bundle composite assembled from one-dimensional (1D) nanorods. This is a method in which the MOF is directly heat-treated with a nitrogen atmosphere, and controlled partial pyrolysis results in the formation of a “quasi-MOF”. It is worth noting that the “quasi-MOF” material (Ce-MOF-350) calcined at 350 °C maintains the porous structure of the precursor while having more exposed active centers. Therefore, the catalytic activity of Ce-MOF-350 for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is greatly improved. This material also has good long-term stability because the 1D nanorods are closely connected. Through the reasonable calcination of Ce-MOF materials, this study provides a new strategy for improving the activity of electrocatalysts and developing high-efficiency electrocatalysts.