Self-Assembly of Copper Oxide Interfaced MnO₂ for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Designing efficient electrocatalytic systems through facile synthesis remains a formidable task. To address this issue, this paper presents the design of a combination material comprising two transition metal oxides (copper oxide and manganese oxide (CuO/MnO₂)), synthesized using a conventional microwave technique to efficiently engage as an active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst. The structural and morphological properties of the composite were confirmed by the aid of X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). FESEM clearly indicated well-aligned interlacing of CuO with MnO₂. The OER performance was carried out in 1 M KOH. The assembled CuO/MnO₂ delivered a benchmark current density (j = 10 mA cm^-2) at a minimal overpotential (η = 294 mV), while pristine CuO required a high η (316 mV). Additionally, the CuO/MnO₂ electrocatalyst exhibited stability for more than 15 h. These enhanced electrochemical performances were attributed to the large volume and expanded diameter of the pores, which offer ample surface area for catalytic reactions to boost OER. Furthermore, the rate kinetics of the OER are favored in composite due to low Tafel slope (77 mV/dec) compared to CuO (80 mV/dec).