Copper doped zinc sulfide nanostructure for alternative energy production

Copper doped zinc sulfide (Cu-ZnS) electrocatalysts were studied by aqueous 1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 1 M sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) electrolyte for water oxidation. The exhibited electrochemical surface area (ECSA) value was 0.189 cm2 for 0.04 M Cu-ZnS in 1 M Na2SO4 and 0.193 cm2 for 0.04 M Cu-ZnS in 1 M KOH. 0.04 M Cu-ZnS exhibited low overpotential and Tafel slope of 380 mV@10 mA/cm2 and 170 mV/dec in 1 M Na2SO4 and 0.04 M Cu-ZnS attained overpotential and Tafel slope of 230 mV@10 mA/cm2 and 166.5 mV/dec in 1 M KOH as analyzed by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Cu-ZnS resistance was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and shows 8.22 omega for 0.04 M Cu-ZnS in 1 M Na2SO4 and 1.37 omega for 0.04 M Cu-ZnS in 1 M KOH which exhibited high conductive nature in comparison to pure ZnS. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) stability of 0.04 M Cu-ZnS in 1 M Na2SO4 was performed by chronoamperometry test and shows 62 % efficiency for 16 h, and recommended for alternative energy production.

Automated summary

Copper doped zinc sulfide (Cu-ZnS) electrocatalysts were studied for water oxidation in 1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 1 M sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) electrolyte. The Cu-ZnS exhibited low overpotential and Tafel slope in both KOH and Na2SO4, indicating its good electrocatalytic activity.