The Hierarchical Co(II)-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks as Bifunctional Catalysts for Efficient Water Splitting and Pollutant Degradation

Two-dimensional (2D) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with abundant exposed electro-active sites on their surfaces show considerable potential for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process. The present investigation details the utilization of three distinct Co-MOFs (MOF 1–3) in a hierarchical book-like structure through a single-step hydrothermal process. The results indicated that the as prepared MOF 1 and 3 Co-MOFs samples exhibit superior efficiency in promoting oxygen evolution performance in an alkaline setting. These samples required low over potentials of 348 and 398 mV at 10 mA cm–2, respectively, while maintaining high-quality Tafel slopes of 81.4 and 90.9 mV dec–1. In addition, the aforementioned materials exhibited remarkable stability, with no discernible degradation observed for a minimum of 12 h. The results of this study introduce a novel approach to developing and producing electrocatalysts with superior efficiency for energy conversion utilizing MOFs. While being exposed to UV light, MOF 1–3 also demonstrated notable photocatalytic degradation activities towards MB/MV dyes. This phenomenon generates a range of possibilities for the advancement of new energy materials and the reduction of water pollution.