Rational interface engineering of Cu2S-CoO/CF enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity
Xin Guan1, Xun Sun1, Hao Feng1
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China. yaoyd523@163.com.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|November 5, 2020
Summary
Interface engineering boosts oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in transition-metal sulfides (TMSs). A novel nitrate-pyrolysis method creates a sulfide-oxide interface on Cu2S, significantly enhancing OER performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Interface engineering is crucial for improving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of transition-metal sulfides (TMSs).
- Existing methods for nano-interface engineering require further optimization.
- Developing efficient strategies for creating novel interfaces in TMSs is essential for advanced catalysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel nitrate-pyrolysis method for creating a sulfide-oxide interface on copper sulfide (Cu2S).
- To investigate the enhanced OER activity of the engineered Cu2S-based material.
- To provide a new avenue for interface engineering in TMSs for catalytic applications.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of a cobalt oxide (CoOx) decorated Cu2S nanowire array on copper foam (Cu2S-CoOx/CF) using a nitrate-pyrolysis method.
- Characterization of the material's interface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
- Electrochemical testing to evaluate OER activity by measuring overpotential at a current density of 25 mA cm-2.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of Cu2S-CoOx/CF with a confirmed sulfide-oxide interface.
- The engineered Cu2S-CoOx/CF exhibited a significantly lower overpotential (255 mV) compared to pristine Cu2S/CF (354 mV) and CoOx/CC (378 mV) at 25 mA cm-2.
- XPS analysis confirmed the interfacial connection between Cu2S and CoOx, highlighting the effectiveness of the interface engineering.
Conclusions:
- The introduction of a sulfide-oxide interface is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the OER activity of Cu2S.
- The nitrate-pyrolysis method offers a novel and efficient route for creating such interfaces.
- This work paves the way for further research into interface engineering for advanced TMS catalysts.
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