Robust and efficient electrocatalyst for water oxidation based on 4,4′-oxybis(benzoate)-linked copper(II) hydroxido layers

An uncommon copper(II) hydroxide layer-based coordination polymer [Cu3(OH)4(oba)]n (1) (oba = 4,4′-oxybisbenzoate) has been synthesized and tested as electro-catalyst for water oxidation under basic conditions. In comparison to classical Cu(OH)2, 1 exhibits improved thermal stability of up to ca. 350 °C. Chronoamperometry studies indicate that catalyst 1 reaches an anodic current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 at η = 576 mV; a TOF of 2 × 10−3 s−1 at 418...