Encoding Metal–Cation Arrangements in Metal–Organic Frameworks for Programming the Composition of Electrocatalytically Active Multimetal Oxides

In the present contribution, we report
how through the use of metal–organic
frameworks (MOFs) composed of addressable combinations of up to four
different metal elements it is possible to program the composition
of multimetal oxides, which are not attainable by other synthetic
methodologies. Thus, due to the ability to distribute multiple metal
cations at specific locations in the MOF secondary building units
it is possible to code and transfer selected metal ratios to multimetal
oxides with novel, desired compositions through a simple calcination
process. The demonstration of an enhancement in the electrocatalytic
activity of new oxides by preadjusting the metal ratios is here reported
for the oxygen reduction reaction, for which activity values comparable
to commercial Pt/C catalysts are reached, while showing long stability
and methanol tolerance.