Facile electrodeposited sandwich-like CuSx/MnSx electrocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting

Abstract

This study investigates a sandwich-like CuSx/MnSx electrode fabricated through electrodeposition technique on nickel foam (NF) substrate for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in seawater splitting. The synthesized electrode exhibits plenty of active sites, substantial specific surface area, and a distinctive morphology reminiscent of a tuberose-type nanostructure. Moreover, synergistic activity between the copper and manganese components enhances the rate of electron transfer process, thereby augmenting the electrocatalytic performance. Partial oxidation serves to increase active sites and control the morphology of the nanoparticles. The optimized electrode exhibits a minimal overpotential of 144 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for saline water splitting. The Tafel slope of 197 mV/dec and a transfer coefficient (α) of 0.3 indicate that the rate-determining step for the HER is likely the initial Volmer reaction. A higher electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of 2268 cm2, a solution resistance of 0.84 Ω, and a charge transfer resistance of 5.18 Ω suggest improved ion diffusion in the synthesized electrode. The electrocatalytic performance was also investigated by carrying out experiments with varying alkalinity in natural seawater electrolytes. The catalyst demonstrated robust stability for HER in natural seawater splitting with constant current density after 50 h of chronoamperometric analysis. The facile electrodeposited electrocatalyst exhibits energy-efficient and sustainable performance, effectively catalyzing reactions in a seawater-based electrolyte during the HER.