A facile
synthesis of a bimetallic metal–organic framework
(MOF) codoped with carbon nanodots (CNDs) (Co/Mn@CNDs-MOF) via solvothermal
treatment is reported. In this study, we prepared a composite material
with nanofusiform-like structures as an efficient earth-abundant oxygen
evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst, its morphology was confirmed
by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and the calculated
average particle size of the Co/Mn@CNDs-MOF was 10.5 nm. Electrochemical
methods were performed to examine the catalytic OER of the Co/Mn@CNDs-MOF
electrode. The MOF composite revealed high current densities of 50
and 100 mA/cm2 at 280 and 320 mV overpotentials, respectively,
with a low Tafel slope of 140 mV dec–1 in a 1 M
KOH aqueous electrolyte toward OER. Here, the incorporation of CNDs
into a bimetallic MOF increases the surface area, active sites, and
moreover the electrocatalytic activity of the composite, revealing
almost equal properties when compared to a commercial catalyst, ruthenium
oxide (RuO2). This research provides an outstanding avenue
to realize multifunctional electrocatalysts.