Environmentally benign synthesis of CuO impregnated activated carbon nanocomposite for prompt bifunctional water splitting applications

The global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has intensified the exploration of efficient and eco-friendly methods for hydrogen production, particularly through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from renewable energy sources. Our research focuses on combining bio-waste-derived activated carbon nanomaterials with green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO@AC) to create efficient electrode materials for enhancing HER and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The surface features of the compo­site material indicate a nanoarchitectonics of rubble morphology, and multiple intense peaks provide evidence for the successful fabrication of each expected crystalline phase, reflecting the overall composition and structural integrity of the nanomaterials. Findings also make known that CuO nanoparticles combined with activated carbon exhibit high efficiency for both HER and OER activities. It required an overpotential of 137 mV at 10 mA cm-2 current density and a Tafel slope of 94 mV dec-1 to drive the HER, while an overpotential of 194 mV was required to achieve a 10 mA cm-2 current density and a Tafel slope of 67.9 mV dec-1 for the OER catalysis process. This work aims to enhance our understanding of the interactions between activated carbon and metal oxides, highlighting the potential of tailored electrocatalytic materials for sustainable energy conversion and contributing to net-zero emission targets.