Tungsten oxide-copper oxide supported on reduced graphene oxide as a proficient electrocatalyst with enhanced hydrogen evolution efficiency in an alkaline media

Abstract

This study focuses on the production of hydrogen through electrocatalysis using a newly synthesized and characterized nano-hybrid composite based electrocatalyst. The electrocatalyst is composed of mixed metal oxides and reduced graphene oxide. The electrocatalysts were evaluated for their structural and morphological characteristics through the implementation of diverse characterization methodologies. The utilization of electrochemical methodologies, including linear sweep voltammetry, Tafel slope, and electrochemical active surface area measurements, provided valuable information regarding the catalytic efficiency and effectiveness of the electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The findings indicate that the electrocatalyst WO3–CuO/rGO demonstrated exceptional catalytic efficiency, as evidenced by a current density of 200 mA/cm2 at an overpotential of −400 mV, a Tafel slope of 44 mVdec−1, and low charge transfer resistance. Additionally, the chronoamperometric analysis exhibited the electrocatalyst's durability, highlighting its potential for practical implementations.