Self-assembled pine-like CuCo/CP configuration as efficient electrocatalysts toward electrochemical water splitting

Abstract

Electrochemical water splitting is one of the most appealing approaches to produce Hydrogen as a sustainable energy resource. The efficiency of Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) largely depends on the activity and stability of any elctrocatalyst. Herein, we have employed a facile and reproducible electrodeposition coating method to synthesize bi-metallic Copper-Cobalt (CuCo) containing electrocatalyst supported on carbon paper (CuCo/CP) for electrochemical splitting of water in neutral medium. We have accomplished superior and improved HER and OER electrocatalytic activity, regardless of lower activity of Cu toward HER and OER. The unique structure and synergistic effect of CuCo/CP displayed better electrocatalytic activity with a low overpotential of 450 mV at 10 mA.cm−2 toward HER and just 80 mV at 10 mA.cm−2 toward Oxygen evolution reaction than other Cu containing electrocatalysts. Moreover, the durability of synthesized electrocatalyst at high applied current density ensure the stable nature of the catalyst. The present study may pave the way for the rational design of electrocatalysts for efficient Oxygen and Hydrogen production applications.