Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Stable and Efficient Electrochemical Water Oxidation under Near-Neutral Conditions

Basak, Sumanta; Sulaiman, Arshia; Morris, Amanda J.

doi:10.1021/acselectrochem.6c00031

Title: Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Stable and Efficient Electrochemical Water Oxidation under Near-Neutral Conditions

Journal Article · Wed Apr 15 00:00:00 UTC 2026 · ACS Electrochemistry

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acselectrochem.6c00031 · OSTI ID:3373973

^[1]; Sulaiman, Arshia ^[1];

^[1]

Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)

The development of molecularly modified metal− organic frameworks (MOFs) for electrochemical water oxidation has emerged as a promising strategy for efficient artificial photosynthesis. In this study, a ruthenium-based water oxidation catalyst (WOC) was incorporated into the UiO-67 framework, forming RuM−UiO-67 films grown directly on conductive FTO substrates. These modified films demonstrate efficient water oxidation activity at near-neutral pH (pH 6), operating at a low overpotential of ∼600 mV. The catalyst exhibits a turnover frequency (TOF) of (0.32 ± 0.02) s⁻¹ at 1.5 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) in buffered solution (pH 6) for the oxygen evolution reaction. Notably, incorporation into the MOF results in a 12-fold increase in electroactive surface coverage compared to a monolayer of the same catalyst on bare FTO. Faradaic efficiency analysis revealed incomplete conversion to O₂, and follow-up iodometric analysis confirmed the formation of H₂O₂ as a competing two-electron oxidation product during electrocatalysis. These results highlight the utility of MOF-based architectures for maximizing the catalyst accessibility and stability under electrochemical water oxidation conditions.

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Research Organization:: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0012446

OSTI ID:: 3373973

Journal Information:: ACS Electrochemistry, Journal Name: ACS Electrochemistry Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 2; ISSN 2997-0571

Publisher:: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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