Coupling SnS₂ and rGO aerogel to CuS for enhanced light-assisted OER electrocatalysis

In order to harvest more light wavelengths to improve the light-assisted electrochemical water splitting capacity, we developed a novel heterostructure of three-dimensional (3D) flower-like CuS architecture with accompanying SnS2 nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogel for outstanding light-assisted electrocatalytic OER performance and good stability. The excellent catalytic kinetics, effective capturing of visible light, and rapid charge transfer of the CuS/SnS2/rGO (CSr) heterostructure were demonstrated. The overpotential (264 mV@10 mA cm-2) under light-assisted conditions is 20% lower than that under light-chopped conditions. SnS2 can harvest more light wavelengths and this boosts its intrinsic activity. However, with the increase of the SnS2 content, the OER activity decreases. The combination of the CS heterostructure and the rGO conductive aerogel achieves rapid charge transfer. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of the light-assisted electrocatalytic OER was also proposed. Overall, this work provides new insights into the simple and scalable fabrication of a highly efficient, low-cost, and stable non-noble-metal-based electrocatalyst.