Self-Templating Synthesis of Hollow Co3 O4 Microtube Arrays for Highly Efficient Water Electrolysis

Abstract

In spite of recent advances in the synthesis of hollow micro/nanostructures, the fabrication of three-dimensional electrodes on the basis of these structures remains a major challenge. Herein, we develop an electrochemical sacrificial-template strategy to fabricate hollow Co₃ O₄ microtube arrays with hierarchical porosity. The resultant unique structures and integrated electrode configurations impart enhanced mass transfer and electron mobility, ensuring high activity and stability in catalyzing oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions. Impressively, the apparent performance can rival that of state-of-the-art noble-metal and transition-metal electrocatalysts. Furthermore, this bifunctional electrode can be used for highly efficient overall water splitting, even competing with the integrated performance of Pt/C and IrO₂ /C.

Keywords: cobalt; electrocatalysis; microtubes; template synthesis; water splitting.