The
development of a MOFs-derived multilevel hierarchy
in a single
step still remains a challenging task. Herein, we have synthesized
novel Cu-MOF via a slow diffusion method at ambient temperature and
further utilized it as a precursor source for MOF-derived multilevel
hierarchy (Cu/Cu
x
O@NC, x = 1 and 2). This studies suggest that the organic ligands served
as a source of an N-doped carbon matrix encapsulated with metal oxide
nanoparticles which were confirmed by various characterization techniques;
further BET analysis reveals a surface area of 178.46 m2/g. The synthesized multilevel hierarchy was utilized as an electro-active
material in a supercapacitor that achieved a specific capacitance
of 546.6 F g–1 at a current density of 1 A g–1 with a higher cyclic retention of 91.81% after 10 000
GCD cycles. Furthermore, the ASC device was fabricated using Cu/Cu
x
O@NC as the positive electrode and carbon
black as the negative electrode and utilized to enlighten the commercially
available LED bulb. The fabricated ASC device was further employed
for a two-electrode study which achieved a specific capacitance of
68 F g–1 along with a comparable energy density
of 13.6 Wh kg–1. Furthermore, the electrode material
was also explored for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an alkaline
medium with a low overpotential of 170 mV along with a Tafel slope
of 95 mV dec–1 having long-term stability. The MOF-derived
material has high durability, chemical stability, and efficient electrochemical
performance. This work provides some new thoughts for the design and
preparation of a multilevel hierarchy (Cu/Cu
x
O@NC) via a single precursor source in a single step and explored
multifunctional applications in energy storage and an energy conversion
system.