Highly Active CuO Water Oxidation Catalyst Electrodeposited from a Copper(Ⅱ) Complex

doi:10.7517/j.issn.1674-0475.2015.05.403

Abstract

Abstract:

Cu(Ⅱ) complex containing N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine and water ligands, [Cu(THEED)(H₂O)]SO₄, was synthesized and structurally characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and X-ray crystal analysis. Electrocatalytic investigation in basic NaOAc/NaOH solution with the complex found that a black film on the surface of anodic electrode was produced. Oxygen was formed and detected by GC analysis. The film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The experimental results revealed that the major component of the black solid is amorphous CuO. Further studies proved that [Cu(THEED)(H₂O)]SO₄ is a precursor, while CuO is the real water oxidation catalyst with high activity and stability. The catalytic performance of the film is demonstrated by longer term electrolysis at pH 12.4 and 1.35 V vs normal hydrogen electrode.The current density was retaining at 1.5 mA/cm² at least 6 hours; about 97 μmol oxygen was produced after a 7.5 h electrolysis and 95% Faradaic efficiency was achieved.

Key words: N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine, Cu(Ⅱ) complex, CuO, eletrocatalysis, water oxidation

CAI Rong, FU Wenfu. Highly Active CuO Water Oxidation Catalyst Electrodeposited from a Copper(Ⅱ) Complex[J]. Imaging Science and Photochemistry, 2015, 33(5): 403-410.

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