Surface embellishment accelerates the oxygen evolution reaction and removal of organic pollutant using solvothermally designed Co2O3/CuO nanocomposite

Abstract

This study generates a heterostructure composed of Co2O3/CuO via a simple hydrothermal procedure as an effective OER electrocatalyst and photocatalyst. The fabricated electrode material was then analyzed to confirm the structural, morphological, and textural analysis using various methods. The nanoparticles decorated on rods nanocomposite are helpful for the electrochemical and photochemical reactions with a higher BET surface area of 112 m2 g−1. For the electrochemical investigation, CV (cyclic voltammetry), LSV (liner sweep voltammetry), EIS (electrochemical impedance), chronoamperometry, and ECSA (electrochemical active surface area) tests are performed. The fabricated electrode material showed an outstanding overpotential of 272 mV to attain 10 mA cm−2 current density, with a low Tafel value of 40 mV dec−1. The designed material is also utilized for the photodegradation of methylene blue dye with 98 % degradation under solar light and retains its stability for up to 5 cycles. The increased various active sites, more surface area, and superior charge transport properties of Co2O3/CuO explain its greater OER and degradation efficiency than its pristine oxides. The resultant material will be useful for many industrial applications in future.