Bifunctional Behavior of Pd/Ni Nanocatalysts on MOF‐Derived Carbons for Alkaline Water‐splitting

Metal‐organic framework derived carbon (MOFDC) serves as supporting platforms for PdNi catalyst (Pd/Ni/MOFDC) and acid‐treated nickel counterpart (Pd/AT‐Ni/MOFDC). The two Pd‐based electrocatalysts are tested for alkaline water‐splitting (i. e., hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER)). The results reveal better HER and OER kinetics for Pd/Ni/MOFDC than Pd/AT‐Ni/MOFDC. DFT calculations show that the high performance of the Pd/Ni/MOFDC can be associated with its high conductivity toward adsorbed OH compared to the Pd/AT‐Ni/MOFDC counterpart. The superior overall water‐splitting of Pd/Ni/MOFDC describes the synergy between Ni/Ni(OH)2 interface and nanostructured Pd for possible future application in an electrolyzer.