Coordination-directed ternary MOF-on-MOF-derived bimetal phosphide-carbon nanomaterials for efficient overall water splitting

• • The ternary MOF-on-MOF-derived CoFeP@carbon catalyst achieves an OER overpotential of 231 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, surpassing commercial IrO2 (typically >300 mV) and most transition metal phosphides, which directly reduces the energy input required for the anodic reaction in industrial electrolyzers. • • The HER overpotential of 107 mV at 10 mA cm−2 approaches that of Pt/C (≈30–50 mV) while using earth-abundant metals, offering a cost-effective alternative that could lower hydrogen production costs by reducing reliance on noble metals. • • Overall water splitting is achieved at 1.544 V at 10 mA cm−2, which is among the lowest voltages reported for non-noble metal bifunctional catalysts, enabling higher efficiency in proton exchange membrane (PEM) or alkaline electrolyzers and potentially reducing electricity consumption per kilogram of H2 produced. • • The catalyst exhibits remarkable long-term stability, with no significant degradation in performance over extended operation (e.g., >100 h), as confirmed by chronopotentiometry, addressing the durability bottleneck that plagues many transition metal-based catalysts in industrial settings.