Mechanochemical ball-milling synthesized NiCo-MOF on stainless steel fiber paper for oxygen evolution reaction in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE)

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Background High carbon emissions of fossil fuels have intensified global warming. Renewable energy powered water electrolysis offers a promising route for green hydrogen production. Improving electrocatalytic performance and electrode fabrication efficiency remains an important research topic. Method This study prepares a NiCo metal–organic framework (NiCo-MOF) by low-solvent mechanochemical ball-milling process. NiCo-MOF is loaded onto stainless steel fiber paper (SSP) as the electrocatalyst. Its electrochemical performance and stability were evaluated by three-electrode electrochemical measurements. Single cell anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is assembled to evaluate module performance. Significant Findings Using a benchtop rolling ball mill, NiCo-MOF can be rapidly prepared through a mechanochemical route. It is a simple process with low equipment cost, minimal solvent consumption, and low thermal budget. The NiCo-MOF/SSP anode shows excellent oxygen evolution reaction performance with low overpotential, fast reaction kinetics, and efficient charge transfer.