Characteristics of the oxygen evolution reaction on synthetic copper - cobalt - oxide electrodes for water electrolysis

A nano-sized Cu0.7Co2.3O4 powder was prepared using a thermal decomposition method to achieve an efficient anode catalyst for an economical water electrolysis system for high-purity hydrogen-gas production without using a noble-metal catalyst. This study showed that the calcination temperature should be maintained under 400 °C to obtain a spinel copper - cobalt oxide structure without secondary oxide phases. The powder calcined at 250 °C showed the highest current density at the oxygen evolution reaction. This was due mainly to the increased number of available active sites and the active surface area of the powders. Further systematic analyses of the electrochemical characteristics of CuxCo3−xO4 synthesized by using the fusion method were performed to assess it as potential anode material for use in alkaline-anion-exchange-membrane water electrolysis.