A new 3D 8-fold interpenetrating 66-dia topological Co-MOF: Syntheses, crystal structure, magnetic properties and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract It still remains a tremendous challenge in exploring high efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, reaction of Co2+ ions and 3-(pyrid-4′-yl)-5 -(4″- carbonylphenyl) -1,2,4-triazolyl (H2Pycz) in a mixed solvent system has obtained a new 3D metal organic framework (MOF) formulated as Co2(Hpycz)4·H2O (1). Compound 1 shows a 3D 8-fold interpenetrating 66-dia topological network with antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co(II) ions. The obtained Co-MOF exhibits a good HER performance: it displays a low onset potential of 101 mV, a small Tafel slope of 121 mV dec−1, exchange current density of 1.62 × 10−4 A cm−2 and long term stability of at least 72 h. This work may enrich the new candidates of MOFs materials for HER application.