Cobalt polyoxometalate-LDH hybrids: pH-switchable molecular catalysts to confined cobalt oxide oxygen evolution layers

Key Points

• The study aims to enhance the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of cobalt polyoxometalate (Co-POM) hybrids in different pH environments.
• Intercalation of Co-POMs into layered double hydroxides (LDH)
• Evaluation of OER activity at neutral and alkaline pH levels
• Assessment of cobalt oxide species formation in LDH galleries
• OER activity significantly increases at neutral pH due to Co-POM intercalation
• In alkaline conditions, Co-POMs transition to layered cobalt oxide with tunable properties
• The hybrid structure provides a pH-switchable catalytic environment