An inclusive review and perspective on Cu-based materials for electrochemical water splitting

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in developing green and renewable alternate energy sources as a solution to the energy and environmental problems produced by conventional fossil fuel use. As a very effective energy transporter, hydrogen (H₂) is a possible candidate for the future energy supply. Hydrogen production by water splitting is a promising new energy option. Strong, efficient, and abundant catalysts are required for increasing the efficiency of the water splitting process. Cu-based materials as an electrocatalyst have shown promising results for application in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) in water splitting. In this review, our aim is to cover the latest developments in the synthesis, characterisation, and electrochemical behaviour of Cu-based materials as a HER, and OER electrocatalyst, highlighting the impact that these advances have had on the field. It is intended that this review article will serve as a roadmap for developing novel, cost-effective electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting based on nanostructured materials with particular emphasis on Cu-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting.