Nanoarchitectured CuAlS@CoMn-layered double hydroxide hybrids with trimetallic synergy for efficient water splitting

Abstract

Electrocatalytic water splitting has recently gained attention for application in green energy production; however, slow reaction kinetics, short cyclic life, low efficiency, and inadequate catalysts hinder its commercialization. In this study, we designed a unique hybrid composite by integrating three-dimensional (3D) hollow CoMn-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanospheres with two-dimensional (2D) CuAlS nanosheets, utilizing earth-abundant elements to enhance electrocatalytic performance and overcome kinetic limitations. The CuAlS@CoMn-LDH catalyst demonstrated exceptional electrocatalytic efficacy, achieving low overpotentials (η) for hydrogen evolution reaction (η10 = 164 mV, Tafel slope = 114 mV dec−1) and oxygen evolution reaction (η10 = 255 mV, Tafel slope = 28 mV dec−1), while maintaining superior stability in alkaline electrolytes. The highly porous CuAlS@CoMn-LDH composite, featuring multiple oxidation states and a large specific surface area (14.90 m2/g), promotes efficient gas evolution by enhancing electron transport and enabling synergistic interactions throughout the material's architecture. Moreover, CuAlS@CoMn-LDH hybrid catalyst exhibits efficient water electrolysis at a low voltage of 1.654 V and demonstrated exceptional durability over 30 h, suggesting promising capabilities for green hydrogen production using earth-abundant materials. This study provides valuable insights into high-performance composites with synergistic effects, fostering the exploration of various prominent non-noble materials for efficient overall water oxidation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.