Self-standing Co decorated Cu2O/CuS-based porous electrocatalyst for effective hydrogen evolution reaction in basic media.

The self-standing Co decorated Cu 2 O/CuS-based porous electrocatalyst was prepared with the help of simple electrodeposition and hydrothermal method. The structural characterizations of fabricated samples were performed with X-Ray diffraction spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while the morphology of catalysts was studied with the help of Field-Emission Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction was checked in a basic electrolyte. The gradual increment in the electrochemical performance of Cu 2 O was observed when it underwent sulfurization without and with Co precursor respectively. The best electrochemical performance for hydrogen evolution reaction with an overpotential of 150.29 mV to achieve a geometric current density of 10 mA/cm2 was observed for the Cu 2 O sample sulfurized with Co precursor. The results of different characterizations suggested that the improved electrochemical performance could be attributed to the increased intrinsic activity and surface porosity of the electrocatalyst after sulfurization. [Display omitted] • Simple electrodeposition and hydrothermal methods were employed for electrode preparation. • The sulfurization of Cu 2 O results in exotic rose flower-like porous CuS structures. • HER activity of CuS improved significantly with Co surface modification. • The best HER performance was observed with 150.29 mV overpotential for 10 mA/cm2 current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]