Exploiting synergistic effects: Co3O4/g-C3N4 composite catalyst for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

In this study, we explore the potential of Co3O4/g-C3N4 composite catalysts for improving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. By employing a rotating disk electrode in 0.1 mol L−1 KOH electrolyte, we systematically investigate the OER properties of various ratios of Co3O4/g-C3N4 catalysts. Our findings reveal that Co3O4/g-C3N4-0.2 catalyst outperforms pure g-C3N4, exhibiting significantly higher current density (10 mA cm−2) and lower overpotential (627 mV). Furthermore, Tafel slope analysis demonstrates enhanced reaction kinetics, with Co3O4/g-C3N4-0.2 catalyst displaying the smallest Tafel slope (54 mV dec−1). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirms the superior charge transfer efficiency of Co3O4/g-C3N4-0.2 catalyst compared to other ratios and pure g-C3N4. Impressively, stability tests demonstrate only 5.4% performance decay after 1000 CV cycles, highlighting the excellent stability of Co3O4/g-C3N4-0.2 catalyst. These findings underscore the remarkable potential of Co3O4/g-C3N4 composite catalysts in OER applications. The synergistic effects between Co3O4 and g-C3N4 contribute to enhanced electrocatalytic performance, making it a promising candidate for future OER advancements.