Nanoscale cobalt-oxide electrocatalyst for efficient oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline electrolyte

Advancement of the effective, stable, earth-rich, low-cost, and highly efficient electro-catalysts commonly demanded large-scale commercial applications toward the low-carbon economy. Here our group demonstrated the synthesis, characterization and electrochemical performance of highly effective and versatile cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co 3 O 4 NP’s) layered on fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) for efficient water splitting strategy. The synthesized Co 3 O 4 NP’s were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Particle Size Analyzer, Zeta Potential, X-ray Diffraction, Ultraviolet–Visible Absorption Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The Co 3 O 4 NP’s were deposited on FTO using inexpensive as well as leading electro-deposition method and by simple spray method. Hence, prepared Co 3 O 4 electrocatalysts is found to be highly efficient for water oxidation without any pre-conditioning. This Co 3 O 4 electrocatalyst, layered at FTO through electro-deposition method, is first used in Oxygen evolution reactions (OER). Electrochemically deposited Co 3 O 4 NP’s at FTO proved itself a better electrode than simple spray-coated Co 3 O 4 NP’s at FTO electrode and initiated the oxygen onset potential around 1.49 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) (ŋ = 260 mV). The observed Tafel slope was 53 mV dec −1 during the oxygen evolution reaction and the peak of the current density J/ 68 mA cm −2 was observed at 1.78 V versus RHE, which is novel for cobalt-based electrocatalyst system. The conclusions drawn were comparable with both the pricey state of the art IrO 2 and RuO 2 electrocatalyst systems. In the long term water electrolysis experiment, the electrocatalyst also offered durability and enduring stability. This innovative approach offers a simplest technique to prepare cost-effective and super effectual nanoscale electrocatalyst for water electrolysis. Graphic abstract