Facile synthesis of perovskite-type CeCuO3 nanoparticles as a robust bifunctional electrocatalyst for highly stable overall water-splitting

This study introduces an efficient and cost-effective strategy for synthesizing crystalline perovskite-type CeCuO3 nanoparticles via a streamlined coprecipitation method, aimed at advancing water-splitting technologies. The synthesized CeCuO3 nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques to assess their morphology, crystalline structure, chemical states, and surface properties. CuO and CeO2 nanoparticles were also synthesized for a comprehensive comparison, and their electrochemical performances were evaluated alongside CeCuO3. Electrochemical analyses of all the electrode materials were conducted in alkaline electrolytes, focusing on the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). The CeCuO3 nanoparticles exhibited significantly better and more stable electrocatalytic performance compared to CuO and CeO2, achieving an impressive current density of 10 mA cm- 2 at overpotentials of 186 mV for OER and 172 mV for HER. In a two-electrode configuration, the CeCuO3-based system required only 1.586 V of cell voltage to sustain a current density of 10 mA cm- 2 . The enhanced performance of CeCuO3 is attributed to its unique perovskite structure, which facilitates optimal electron transfer and active site availability for catalytic reactions. These findings highlight the potential of perovskite-type CeCuO3 nanoparticles as promising, scalable electrocatalysts for water-splitting applications, with implications for large-scale hydrogen production and renewable energy technologies. The combination of low cost, ease of synthesis, and high catalytic efficiency makes CeCuO3 a strong candidate for future developments in clean energy solutions.