Cu₂O-reduced graphene oxide composite as a high-performance electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media

Focusing on renewable energy, we are devoted to developing efficient, robust and low-cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. A facile, environmentally benign and low-cost method was developed. Ethylene glycol as an inexpensive and non-toxic reducing agent was used to reduce cuprous oxide to synthesize a Cu₂O-reduced graphene oxide (Cu₂O-rGO) composite. This material changed the bond energy of the intermediate Cu-O of the OER under alkaline conditions, exhibiting good electrocatalytic oxygen generation performance. It is noteworthy that our research not only developed a method to prepare a Cu₂O-based catalyst but also investigated the mechanism of action of the Cu₂O-rGO composite. This will guide us to synthesise novel non-noble-metal catalysts develop their applications toward energy and the environment.