Enhanced oxygen evolution reaction via CuO@N-doped carbon nanostructures: a facile synthesis and electrocatalytic investigation

Abstract

The current research work impasses on the fabrication of the best-fitted electrocatalyst for efficient and improved oxygen electrolysis process. The mesoporous CuO@N-doped carbon nanostructures were formulated using energy efficient low temperature synthesis method which is simple as well as economical. The mesoporous nanostructure of the electrocatalyst resembles the porous structure which is responsible for increase in higher anodic oxidative reactions which in turn increases the ratio of the electron charge transfer between the interfaces and of the catalyst as well. Experimental analysis revealed outstanding performance metrics, with the CuO@N-doped carbon nanostructures demonstrating a low overpotential of 350 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm² and a Tafel slope of 87 mV dec⁻¹. The electrocatalyst was also found to be significantly stable for the oxygen evolution process (OER) in the actual industrial applications.