Cu2O–reduced graphene oxide composite as a high-performance electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media

Abstract

Focusing on renewable energy, we are devoted to developing efficient, robust and low-cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. A facile, environmentally benign and low-cost method was developed. Ethylene glycol as an inexpensive and non-toxic reducing agent was used to reduce cuprous oxide to synthesize a Cu₂O–reduced graphene oxide (Cu₂O–rGO) composite. This material changed the bond energy of the intermediate Cu–O of the OER under alkaline conditions, exhibiting good electrocatalytic oxygen generation performance. It is noteworthy that our research not only developed a method to prepare a Cu₂O-based catalyst but also investigated the mechanism of action of the Cu₂O–rGO composite. This will guide us to synthesise novel non-noble-metal catalysts develop their applications toward energy and the environment.