Cu/(Cu(OH)2-CuO) core/shell nanorods array: in-situ growth and application as an efficient 3D oxygen evolution anode

In this paper, we develop a novel strategy toward the in-situ growth of core/shell nanorods array consisting of Cu(OH)2-CuO nanosheets as the shell and Cu as the core on Cu foil [Cu/(Cu(OH)2-CuO) NA/CF]. As an integrated 3D non-noble-metal oxygen evolution anode, the Cu/(Cu(OH)2-CuO) NA/CF shows high catalytic activity with an onset overpotential of 350 mV and a Tafel slope of 76 mV/dec. It needs an overpotential of 417 mV to drive current density of 10 mA/cm2 and maintains its catalytic activity for at least 22 h. The attractive performances make it promising candidate as a future high-performance catalyst for applications.