“Rust to Riches”: Harnessing iron-oxide-Zr MOF hybrid composite for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction under low pH

Energy consumption has become a critical global challenge, demanding innovative and sustainable solutions. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for efficient and durable electrocatalyst synthesis that can replace expensive noble metal-based catalysts for water-splitting reactions. In this context, we have successfully synthesized a composite material combining a Zr-based metal–organic framework (MOF), UIO-66-NH2, with Fe2O3 derived from rust—a discarded waste material. The synergistic interaction between MOF and Fe2O3 enhances the catalytic performance by effectively combining the structural advantages of the MOF with the active sites provided by Fe2O3. The results indicated that the composite was active with an overpotential of 209 mV at 10 mA/cm2 compared to the pristine MOF. Moreover, the composite demonstrated long-term durability for more than 9 h under harsh acidic conditions, outperforming many conventional catalysts in terms of stability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. By transforming waste materials into high-performance composites, this work presents a sustainable approach to addressing the energy crisis, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to meet the growing energy demands.