Impact of Surface\nModulation of Two-Dimensional Ni-MOF\nand Its Derivatives on Electrochemical Energy Storage and Electrocatalytic\nPerformance

This research introduces an innovative approach to enhancing\nmaterials\nfor supercapacitors, as well as hydrogen evolution reactions. The\nstudy involves synthesizing two-dimensional nickel metal–organic\nframeworks on nickel foam and the oxide-based materials derived from\nthem and investigating the influence of various surfactants on structural\narchitecture. Among the surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)\ndisplayed the most effective outcomes. The SDS-assisted Ni-MOF-derived\nNiO demonstrated better electrochemical characteristics when served\nas one of the electrodes in a supercapacitor exhibiting a high specific\ncapacity of 841.2 C·g<sup>–1</sup> (equivalent to 1682.4\nF·g<sup>–1</sup>) when tested at 1 A·g<sup>–1</sup>, and maintained 92.9% of this capacity after 5000 charge–discharge\ncycles. This represents significant improvements over surfactant-free\nmaterials, with a 26% increase in specific capacitance. In an asymmetric\nsupercapacitor setup, the material demonstrated an impressive energy\ndensity (67.89 Wh·kg<sup>–1</sup>) coupled with a power\ndensity of 750 W·kg<sup>–1</sup>. When applied to the\nhydrogen evolution reaction, it reached 10 mA·cm<sup>–2</sup> with an overpotential of only 87 mV. It also showed a consistent\nperformance over 24 h. The findings highlight how surfactant-assisted\nsynthesis of Ni-MOF and subsequent derivation resulted in interlinked\nnanoparticle assemblies arranged in a hierarchical, blossom-like superstructure,\nwhich significantly enhances both electrochemical and hydrogen evolution\nperformance. The study underscores the potential of tailored MOF synthesis\nin developing advanced materials for sustainable energy applications.