Bifunctional Hydrogen and Oxygen Electrocatalysis of Cerium doped Copper Oxide Nanostructure

Abstract

Artemisia vulgaris contains bioactive compounds that act as reducing and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle formation, affecting their size and morphology. This study focuses on the eco-friendly green synthesis of cerium-doped copper oxide (Ce-CuO) nanoparticles, which minimizes hazardous waste. The nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The crystalline size was 14.04 nm, with FTIR confirming successful cerium incorporation into the copper oxide matrix and the FE-SEM revealed rough porous surfaces. The electrochemical properties of pristine CuO and Ce-CuO were inspected using a three-electrode setup. The overpotentials for HER were 145 mV at 50 mA cm⁻² and 158 mV at 100 mA cm⁻², while for OER, they were 310 mV and 370 mV, respectively, indicating a marked improvement over pure CuO. The charge transfer resistance (Rct) values were 7.67 Ω for HER and 1.76 Ω for OER, both lower than those of pure CuO. Doping cerium (Ce) in copper oxide (CuO) enhances its catalytic properties, electronic characteristics, and sensitivity. This approach offers new opportunities for Ce-doped CuO nanoparticles in applications like fuel cells, catalytic processes, and green hydrogen production.