Interconnected Copper Cobaltite Nanochains as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Water Oxidation in Alkaline Medium

摘要

The present work is focused on the protective-agent-free synthesis of interconnected copper cobaltite (Cu0.3Co2.7O4) nanochains by temperature-controlled solvothermal method followed by post-thermal treatment of the precursors. Furthermore, Cu0.3Co2.7O4 interconnected nanochains are employed as electrocatalyst for water oxidation in alkaline medium for the first time. Extensive studies of physiochemical properties showed the formation of interconnected 1D nanochains of Cu0.3Co2.7O4 exhibiting a larger specific surface area (139.5 m(2) g(-1)) and enhanced electrochemical water oxidation ability. It delivered excellent mass activity (similar to 50.0A g(-1)), high anodic current density (similar to 124.9 mA cm(-2) at 1.75 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode), and turnover frequency (similar to 4.26 X 10(-2) s(-1)) in 1.0 M KOH. These Cu0.3Co2.7O4 nanochains also demonstrated low overpotential (similar to 351 mV) and good cycling stability (1000 cycles) in strong alkaline media. The fabricated Cu0.3Co2.7O4 nanochains could be a good alternative to the commercial OER electrocatalysts (RuO2 and IrO2) and also advantageous to the development of efficient, cost-effective, and durable electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting.